2. Become Familiar with the Next Generation Science Standards

     The Next Generation Science Standards involve not only a "three dimensional approach" to science and engineering standards architecture but also involve what for most teachers is a different approach to science instruction.
     To gain deeper understandings of the standards architecture, content, relationships among the three dimensions, and how the standards impact science instruction, the following approaches were taking:
  • All teachers were given and read the resource, The NSTA Quick-Reference Guide to the NGSS K-12, which provides a great overview of both the NGSS content and architecture.
  • Teachers participated in PD activities to become familiar with all components of an NGSS standard
  • The curriculum coordinator and two teachers participated in a two-day in-depth NGSS training provided through the NSTA.
  • As a result of the two-day training mentioned above, a national level NGSS training customized specifically to the needs of our district was subsequently hosted in Monte Vista for all science teachers.