State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Invites Public Comment on Draft California Science Framework

            SACRAMENTO-California is taking a step forward in updating its science curriculum by gathering public comment on a new framework, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today.

            The Science Framework for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA Science Framework) will provide guidance for teachers, administrators, and parents on how a curriculum based on content standards is implemented in the classroom. This new draft framework provides guidance on how to integrate the Next Generation Science Standards for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (CA NGSS) and the California English Language Arts and Literacy Standards and the California English Language Development Standards in the science classroom. The CA Science Framework will provide direction for the development of instructional materials, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional learning.

            The draft CA Science Framework includes narrative course descriptions for transitional kindergarten through grade twelve as well as chapters on assessment, access and equity, and supporting high-quality science instruction. It provides direction to educators to implement state standards in the context of California’s diversity and helps them teach the critical thinking skills students will need for 21st century careers.

            The draft framework has been posted on the California Department of Education  Science Curriculum Frameworks Web page. Members of the public may send comments on the draft CA Science Framework directly by e-mail to scienceframework@cde.ca.gov. The current comment period will remain open until August 29, 2016. All public comments received during the field review survey will be presented to the Instructional Quality Commission and the State Board of Education for review and possible inclusion into the final CA Science Framework. The Board is scheduled to take final action on the document by November 2016.

            For more information on the development of the draft framework, visit the California Department of Education Science Curriculum Frameworks Web page.