California is one step closer to adopting sweeping new K-12 science standards that were released by 26 states earlier this month.
The state Department of Education announced today that three public meetings will be held throughout the state in the coming weeks to collect feedback ahead of the Board of Education's review of the standards this fall.
The standards—developed after nearly two years of study and discussion—represent a shift from current science teaching methods, which experts say represent a "mile wide, inch deep" approach.
Instead, the new standards dive deeply into fewer topic areas and emphasize hands-on learning that requires critical thinking instead of memorization.
"Right now, what we know is that based upon the research and the evidence that we have, our students aren’t doing as well as we’d like them to," the Department of Education's Director of Professional Learning Support Phil Lafontaine told KPCC when the standards were released.
"California has a lot of work to do," he said.
Lafontaine estimates that by November—when California will decide whether to adopt, reject or amend the new standards—about 10 other states will have made decisions on whether to adopt the new standards.
A panel of science experts is reviewing the new California standards. The state Board of Education is scheduled to review public feedback and input from the panel this summer.
Public Meetings
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April 29 - 3 to 5 p.m.
Sacramento County Office of Education, 10474 Mather Boulevard, Mather, CA 95655
Contact: Phil Romig 916-228-2275
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April 30 - 3 to 5 p.m.
Santa Clara County Office of Education, 1290 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95131-2304
Contact: Sandi Yellenberg 408-453-6692
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May 2 - 3 to 5 p.m.
Riverside County Office of Education, 3939 Thirteenth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Contact: Yamileth Shimojyo 951-600-5658
