The release of the Conceptual Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on July 19, 2011, was the first of two steps to develop new science standards for the states. Through a state-led process, new K–12 science standards are being developed that will be rich in content and practice, arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education.
Electronic Mailing List
Join the NGSS electronic mailing list by sending a blank e-mail to join-ngss@mlist.cde.ca.gov. To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to unsubscribe-ngss@mlist.cde.ca.gov.Public Comment
Second and Final Public Draft and Survey of the Next Generation Science Standards
The release of the second and final public draft of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is set for the first week in January 2013. The draft NGSS and feedback survey will be available for three weeks on the Achieve Web Site
. As one of 26 lead states, the State Board of Education (SBE) and the California Department of Education (CDE) strongly encourage the public to review and submit feedback to Achieve, Inc., the managing partner of the NGSS.
Standards Review Group Meetings
The California Science Teachers Association (CSTA) is hosting NGSS Review Group Meetings to review the NGSS. The calendar of upcoming events and supporting documentation may be found at this site.
Conceptual Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards
Conceptual Framework for the Next Generation K-12 Science Standards
(PDF; 2MB)
Released July 19, 2011, the framework provides a research-grounded basis for improving science teaching and learning across the country. It is intended to guide standards developers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, professionals responsible for science teacher education, and science educators working in informal settings.
Board on Science Education Conceptual Framework Homepage
The Board on Science Education of the National Academies provides information on the development of the Conceptual Framework and frequently asked questions.
Opportunity Equation: Transforming Mathematics and Science Education for Citizenship and the Global Economy
(PDF; 15MB)
The set of recommendations for standards drawn from this June 2009 report by the Carnegie Corporation of New York - Institute for Advanced Study Commission on Mathematics and Science Education served as the underpinning for the Conceptual Framework for the Next Generation K-12 Science Standards.
Next Generation Science Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
This is the official Web site for national information on the Next Generation Science Standards. Forty-one members of a core writing team will work with 26 Lead State Partners in the development of the new science standards. The first draft of the standards was available for public comment in May 2012.
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces California Will Lead Effort in Writing New National Science Standards
This is the News Release on California's participation in the development of the Next Generation Science Standards.
Development Process
The Next Generation Science Standards will go through several rounds of review with multiple stakeholder groups. The
general process and timeline for the development of the standards are available at this site.
NGSS Development Timeline (PDF)
Alternative Accessible Version of the NGSS Development Timeline
This is a timeline of the development and adoption process for new science standards in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the NGSS.
Webinars and Presentations
Next Generation Science Standards Presentation to the SBE
On May 9, 2012, Stephen Pruitt, Vice President, Content, Research, and Development, at Achieve, Inc., presented at the California SBE meeting to discuss the development and content of the NGSS. You may view the archived presentation of the State Board Meeting May 9, 2012 (WMV; 07:40:01); Item 2 begins at the 22:15 mark.
Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards
Helen Quinn, National Academy of Sciences, Board on Science Education and Chair of the NGSS Committee, presented at the National Science Teachers Association conference in San Francisco on March 10, 2011, about the development of a conceptual framework for new science education standards.
Next Generation Science Standards
Stephen Pruitt, Vice President, Content, Research and Development at Achieve, Inc., presented at the National Science Teachers Association conference in San Francisco on March 10, 2011, about the process of and timeline for writing the science standards, and the implications of new standards on science teachers.
Related Content
Common Core State Standards Resources
Information and resources about the new academic content standards for English language arts and mathematics adopted by the State Board of Education on August 2, 2010.
SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium
Latest information about the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium; one of two multistate consortia awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Education to develop an assessment system based on the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
