State invites public to comment on new science curriculum

California is updating its science curriculum by gathering public comment on a new framework, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said.

The Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA Science Framework) will provide guidance for teachers, administrators and parents on how a curriculum based on content standards is implemented in the classroom and how to integrate the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the California English Language Arts and Literacy Standards and the California English Language Development Standards in the science classroom.

The CA Science Framework will provide direction for the development of instructional materials, curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning.

The draft framework includes narrative course descriptions for transitional kindergarten through grade 12 as well as chapters on assessment, access and equity, and supporting high-quality science instruction, Torlakson said in his announcement. It provides direction to educators to implement state standards in the context of California’s diversity and helps them teach the critical thinking skills students will need for 21st century careers.

The draft framework and directions to submit comments are on the California Department of Education (CDE) Science Curriculum Frameworks Web page, www.cde.ca.gov/ci/sc/cf/. The public may send comments by email to scienceframework@cde.ca.gov. The comment period will end Aug. 29.

Public comments will be presented to the Instructional Quality Commission and the State Board of Education for review and possible inclusion into the final CA Science Framework. The state board is scheduled to take final action on the document by November.