Educator Services Classroom Support Curriculum Resources
Office for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Engineering (OMSTE)

Review of the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework: Solicitation for Review Panel Applications and Public Survey Input

Public Survey on the Current Science and Technology/Engineering Framework

We have developed an online survey to solicit feedback on the current Science and Technology/Engineering Framework. The survey results will help inform the review by gathering the public's feedback on the current standards; inquiry and design skills; the organization and use of the Framework; and the supplementary resources included in the Framework.

Review Panel Application

The Department is now soliciting applications    for the Science and Technology/Engineering Review Panel. The Review Panel will determine if modifications are needed to reflect current policy and standards documents on learning and achievement in science and technology/engineering needed for college and 21st century careers. We anticipate selecting 35-40 applicants for the Review Panel.

The Department is seeking wide representation on the Review Panel, including:

• educators who teach science and technology/engineering in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and higher education or education faculty who teach college science and technology/engineering courses or related education courses;
• educators of special education and English language learner students;
• educators who have incorporated science and technology/engineering in mathematics, literacy, history, economics, arts, comprehensive health, or vocational/technical courses;
• district and school administrators, including superintendents, principals, and curriculum coordinators;
• community members, including parents, students, school committee members, librarians, and educators from informal and other educational institutions or agencies who help support students to improve their science and technology/engineering knowledge and skills;
• business personnel with experience in hiring and training employees in science or technology/engineering; and
• researchers in the fields of science and technology/engineering education.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, March 27, 2009. School district personnel should confirm administrative support before applying. The review panel will meet approximately 5 days from April through October 2009, and again for approximately 4 days during the winter of 2009 and spring of 2010. Selected panelists are expected to attend all review panel meetings. The Department will award professional development points and reimburse for substitutes and travel, pending funding. Applicants selected for appointment to the panel will be notified late March 2009.

Proposed Review Timeline

The full review process is expected to take approximately two years. In the winter of 2009 the review panel will present initial considerations for broad revisions to the Framework at regional public forums. In the fall of 2010 a first draft of the revised document will be presented to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for review and then provided for public comment. I will provide additional information about the Framework review as it progresses.

If you have any questions about this Framework review please email mathscitech@doe.mass.edu.

Last Updated: March 6, 2009