I just received the following alert from our friends at the National Center for Science Education about the Next Generation Science Standards. Please take action and pass this along to all of your friends/colleagues who have an interest in strong public school science standards. Time is of the essence – the deadline is Monday, January 28th!
For the last year, the National Center for Science Education has been advising an effort to produce modern and consistent Next Generation Science Standards. Dozens of states have committed to consider using these new standards instead of continuing to write their own state by state.
The effort to produce standards which can be widely implemented is coming to a close, and we want to be sure that you have a chance to weigh in. The final public review is under way now, and will close next week. The framework for the standards rightly grants evolution and climate change central roles, and we’re optimistic that the new standards will revolutionize American science education. We still worry about the harm that could come if these standards give any loopholes that can be exploited by creationists, climate change deniers, or other ideologues.
We’ve provided resources to help you share your thoughts on the standards at our website. Once there, you can learn more about how to file your own comments on the standards, how you can help make sure NCSE’s comments are taken seriously as the final revisions are made to the standards, and how you can stay involved as the finalized standards are sent to the states for adoption.
Please act by January 28 to ensure your voice is heard.
Many thanks for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Eugenie C. Scott
P.S. NCSE relies on your support to be able to participate in efforts like NGSS, while fighting threats to science education in legislatures across the country, and guiding teachers and school districts away from science denial. You can help us stay active and effective by donating $10, $35, or $100 today.
The Skeptical Teacher 