Adult and Community Learning Services (ACLS)

For Immediate Release
Friday, May 27, 2016
Contact:	Jacqueline Reis, 781-338-3115

State Announces Supports for Updated Science and Technology/Engineering Learning Standards

MALDEN - The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is offering districts help in implementing the 2016 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework that the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education adopted earlier this year. The updated, voluntary curriculum framework, also referred to as a set of learning standards, outlines what students should know and be able to do at different grade levels in the areas of science, technology and engineering. Educators at the local level determine what materials and curricula they will use to help students achieve the goals laid out in the framework. The 2016 framework includes both the learning standards and a variety of supporting materials. Each district is or will be developing its own plan for transitioning to the updated framework, and the plans will take into account local conditions, initiatives and resources. The Department is making several types of resources available to districts:

Online updated strand maps, cross walks and more;
Educators trained as science ambassadors who are available to help schools and districts become familiar with the standards and their implications for curriculum and instruction; and
Opportunities to engage in multi-district collaborations to share resources and strategies for transitioning to the 2016 standards.
- Districts who would like to explore opportunities to collaborate can attend a science and technology/engineering District Collaboration Kickoff Event on June 14 or 15 organized in collaboration with the Museum of Science, Boston.
- For multi-district collaborations already underway, ESE is supporting ongoing work to share resources and strategies.

The 2016 science and technology/engineering standards are intended to drive engaging, relevant, rigorous and coherent instruction that emphasizes student mastery of core ideas and how to apply science and engineering practices. Ultimately, the standards support student readiness for citizenship, college and careers. "I would like to thank the many educators who helped us update the science and technology/engineering curriculum framework to meet the needs of today's learners," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester. "All students must be prepared to engage in public discussions on scientific and technical issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technological information and products, possess the scientific and technical knowledge and skills that many careers and college options now require, and have the opportunity to pursue a scientific or technical career if desired." The state and educators last updated the science and technology/engineering framework in 2006. The Department thanks all individuals and groups that provided input, reviewed comments, and suggested edits to the science and technology/engineering standards during their development. We are grateful for the dedication and expertise of all the educators, scientists, scholars, employers, and other participants who engaged in this important endeavor. ###

Last Updated: May 27, 2016