In Massachusetts, science education includes life science, physical science, earth and space science, and technology/ engineering. Science is way of knowing and understanding the natural and designed world.
The science and technology/engineering standards are intended to drive engaging, relevant, rigorous, and coherent instruction that emphasizes student mastery of both disciplinary core ideas (concepts) and application of science and engineering practices (skills) to support student readiness for citizenship, college, and careers.
2016 STE Curriculum Framework — Updated: April 2020
2020 Updates to the STE Frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2016 STE Standards
Science MCAS home
Transition Plan for MCAS STE Tests
Below is information regarding the "overlapping" standards from the 2001/06 and 2016 Science and Tech/Eng standards that will be assessed on the 2018 MCAS Grade 5 and Grade 8 STE tests. The 2018 test will consist of items that align to both sets of standards. The focus of the test questions will be on the overlapping content and skills between the two sets of standards. The 2017 test will be based on the 2001/06 STE standards.
"Overlapping" Science and Technology/Engineering Standards that May Be Assessed on the 2018 MCAS Grades 5 STE Test
"Overlapping" Science and Technology/Engineering Standards that May Be Assessed on the 2018 MCAS Grades 8 STE Test
STE CURATE (CUrriculum RAtings by TEachers)
OpenSciEd in Massachusetts
DESE is pleased to offer Massachusetts PK–12 educators and administrators high-quality professional development in science topics, from highly qualified providers through OAPL.
Accelerating Science: Open Access Professional Learning (OAPL)
Overview of 2016 STE Standards
Science & Technology Engineering Standards: Connections to the Mathematics and English Language Arts /Literacy Standards — updated December 2020
PreK-5 Crosswalk of the MA and NGSS Standards
6-8 Crosswalk of the MA and NGSS Standards
High School Crosswalk of the MA and NGSS Standards
Prek-8 Crosswalk: Organized by 2016 MA STE Standards
Prek-8 Crosswalk: Organized by 2001/06 Standards
Bio Crosswalk organized by 2016 MA STE Standards
Physics Crosswalk organized by the 2016
HS Crosswalk: Organized 2016 MA STE Standards
STE Quality Review Rubric
Quick Reference Guide: Establishing an Effective Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Program
Quick Reference Guide: Integrating Technology & Engineering with High School Science
Quick Reference Guide: Administrators Guide to Elementary School Science
Quick Reference Guide: Phenomena in the Classroom
DESE has identified five components districts should attend to when designing a rigorous, coherent and relevant pre-K–12 STE education program. Educators, administrators and curriculum designers can refer to this guide for brief descriptions and resources for each component.
This guide provides recommendations for the integration of the Technology/Engineering Standards into typical High School STE course sequences.
This resource provides recommendations for high-quality science in the elementary classroom.
This guide supports educators in understanding and using phenomena in their classrooms.
Instructional Guidelines: 3rd–5th Grade — Updated January 2022
Instructional Guidelines: 6th–8th Grade — Updated July 2022
Instructional Guidelines: High School Biology
Instructional Guidelines: High School Introductory Physics
PreK–K Instructional Guidelines
Grades 1–2 Instructional Guidelines
Massachusetts STEM Networks
Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST)
Massachusetts Science Education Leadership Association (MSELA)
Massachusetts Technology Education/ Engineering Collaborative (MassTec)
National Association of Biology Teachers
National Center for Technological Literacy (NCTL)
National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA)
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES)
Massachusetts Marine Educators (MME)
Secretary's Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education (SAGEEE)
Last Updated: October 3, 2022
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148-4906
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Disclaimer: A reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.