Understanding NGSS Design

 

The NGSS and other Framework-based standards ask educators and students to approach teaching, learning, and monitoring student progress in new and different ways, grounded in students making sense of phenomena and solving problems using the three dimensions of science together. These resources are designed to help educators unpack the standards and understand what they mean for classroom instruction and assessment.

 

Instruction and Assessment Supports

 

Science Assessment CriteriaThis document describes the most important features of statewide summative assessments designed for three-dimensional standards based on A Framework for K-12 Science Education, such as the NGSS.

 

NGSS Alignment Claims: What Publishers are Saying: Many publishers make claims about how connected their materials are for the NGSS. This paper categorizes and describes some of the common ways those developing and marketing science instructional materials are making connections to the NGSS. It does not pass judgment about what are "good" or "bad" claims, but provides examples of various types and suggests questions that when answered could ensure that the claim meets the needs of the teachers and schools making the procurement decision. In addition to sharing categories of claims common in the marketplace, this document also provides examples of claims Achieve would like to see more frequently.

 

Evidence Statements: NGSS Evidence Statements provide educators with additional detail on what students should know and be able to do by the end of each grade level. These are statements of observable and measurable components that, if met, will satisfy the NGSS performance expectations.

 

Classroom Sample TasksScience teachers across the disciplines have collaborated to author sample classroom tasks, which illustrate how to integrate science, engineering, and mathematics into NGSS instruction.

 

Example Bundles"Bundles" are groups of standards arranged together to create the endpoints for units of instruction. This resource offers example bundles for each grade band, as well as a guide to bundling performance expectations which outlines some important considerations for educators.

 

"Phenomena in the NGSS"A brief resource was developed for educators that describes how phenomena can be integrated into classroom instruction to help drive teaching and learning. Additionally, a three-minute video interview with Brian Reiser helps to introduce phenomena and their connection to the NGSS and three-dimensional learning.

 

NGSS StorylinesNGSS Storylines outline some examples of what students can learn in NGSS classrooms.

 

NGSS Appendices:  NGSS Appendices A-M provide background and detail about the standards, along with some helpful implementation models.

 

NGSS For All StudentsThis unique book portrays real teaching scenarios written by the teachers on the NGSS Diversity and Equity Team. The seven authentic case studies vividly illustrate research- and standards-based classroom strategies you can use to engage diverse student groups.

 

 

NGSS Video Series created in partnership with the Teaching Channel

 

Achieve partnered with the Teaching Channel to create videos that dive into various aspects of NGSS implementation.

 

 

Read the Next Generation Science Standards and the Appendices.

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