Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

This physical education curriculum guide for kindergarten through twelfth grade has two main components. The first is a program overview that includes information relating to program organization and implementation for early, middle, and senior grades. The second section contains suggested activities and teaching notes for realizing specific program objectives. The overall goals are that students should: (1) develop physical wellbeing; (2) develop desired movement patterns through the neuromuscular system; (3) express ideas, thoughts, and feelings with confidence through physical activity; (4) develop independence in pursuing physical activity throughout life; (5) develop safety and survival practices; and (6) develop positive social interactions through a variety of physical activities. These goals remain constant throughout the entire program, although the objectives which prepare students to reach the goals vary according to stages of maturation and learning. Developmental characteristics, time allotments, lesson plans, activities, class organization, and evaluation methods are outlined for early, middle, and senior grades. Appendixes contain an equipment list, a safety checklist, a sample lesson plan, a discussion of legal liability, and a bibliography. (JD)

Providing a clear framework, this volume helps school leaders align assessment and reporting practices with standards-based education and develop more detailed reports of children's learning and progress.

Including a new section on evaluation accountability, this Third Edition details 30 standards which give advice to those interested in planning, implementing and using program evaluations.