Globalization and technology have dramatically changed expectations for today’s students. A strong science education is an essential part of preparing students to succeed in the 21st century.
Not enough students are acquiring the basic scientific skills they need to succeed. In 2007, only 36.4% percent of 10th grade students passed the science WASL.
The Board is moving to improve science achievement in our state. As a first step, the Board is reviewing current Washington state science standards and recommending ways to improve them.
In 2007, The Board selected an education consultant to lead the review of the standards. They appointed a 16-member Science Advisory Panel composed of education, business and community leaders from across Washington state to work with the Board to review the standards and exemplary science standards of top education systems in the United States.
In April 2008, the Board released draft recommendations on how to revise Washington’s standards to achieve world-class levels. The recommendations will be finalized by June 30, 2008 and will be forwarded to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to re-write the standards with on-going input from the Board’s Science Advisory Panel.
Strong science standards provide the basis for improvements to science education, from curriculum and assessments to professional development and teacher recruitment.
Washington Science Standards Review Interim Report & Feedback Survey
