Delaware standards for science set clear goals for what students should access and learn in science by the end of each grade year. In 2013, Delaware adopted the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which sets the end-of-year expectations for each grade as students progress towards college and career readiness. These standards ask students to make sense of phenomena and solving problems using three dimensions of science: disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts and scientific practices. Mathematical understanding and procedural skill are equally important. Additionally, NGSS focuses on learning skills and concepts in the context of solving real-world problems.
Through standards, teachers and students know what to focus on throughout the year. Standards ensure everyone is working toward the same expectations. Additionally, they provide consistency across schools, so students can transfer easily between schools and are provided equal opportunities for success in all classrooms.
Student outcomes
Standards are cumulative, which means that each year students build off previous learning to become college and career ready by the end of high school. They emphasize required achievements while individual districts and charters determine how these goals are met.
Science standards ensure students:
- Engage in three-dimensional science learning – scientific and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas – in preparation for 21st century careers.
- Connect scientific principles to real-world situations.
- Engage with phenomena and design solutions.
- Integrate engineering and the nature of science in learning.
- Connect science with mathematics and literacy.
