New more rigorous K-12 science benchmarks to be drafted by end of 2012

Illinois is among six new states to join a collaborative effort to develop new science standards that will clearly define what students need to learn from kindergarten through high school graduation. In addition to Illinois, the states of Arkansas, Delaware, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon are joining the Next Generation Science Standards project. The NGSS now includes 26 states and the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Achieve, a non-profit education reform organization that is facilitating the collaboration.

“Science benchmarks need to be strengthened nationally so I’m excited that Illinois will have a seat at the table as these new standards are developed,’’ said State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch. “We’ve already adopted the new, more challenging Common Core standards in English Language Arts and math. Adding more rigorous science guidelines to our Illinois Learning Standards will help us to better prepare our students to compete and collaborate with their peers around the world.”

For more details on developing new science standards, go to the Next Generation Science Standards website at www.nextgenscience.org.