New Draft Science Standards in Nebraska Seek to Modernize Science Education – Public Input Encouraged

The Nebraska Department of Education has released the first draft of proposed revisions to Nebraska’s College and Career Ready Standards for Science. The current science standards were approved in 2017, and these revisions seek to update the framework for science education in the state. Educators from pre-kindergarten to postsecondary, including public and non-public schools, helped develop the first draft of the proposed science standards.

The State Board of Education is expected to finalize approval for these standards in the fall of 2024. These standards provide guidance to teachers as they develop learning experiences for students, outlining the knowledge and skills that are expected to be learned in the science content area. It is important to note that standards do not prescribe specific curriculum, lessons, teaching techniques, or activities; those decisions are made locally by individual school districts and classroom teachers.

The public is encouraged to review the proposed draft of the science standards and provide input through a public input survey and a science standards input email address before the deadline on May 30, 2024. This input will help ensure that these revisions align with current best practices in science education and meet the needs of students in Nebraska.