Regarding Standards of Learning SOL for Secondary Education

1. Regarding Standards of Learning (SOL) for Secondary Education Jim Batterson Senior Advisor to the Commonwealth(VA) for STEM Initiatives

3. Roles in K-12 Content Development K-12 education is the responsibility of the states Each state has its own set of content standards of learning (SOL) Each state reviews its own standards from time to time (7 yrs in VA) American Diploma Project (ADP) sponsored by National Governor�s Association (NGA) uses a state-by-state approach There are some �national standards� and �benchmarks� - generally sponsored by �education division�, not �research divisions� National Science Education Standards (NRC 1995) Science for All Americans/Benchmarks (AAAS 1988-92) K-12 Science Benchmarks (ADP/Achieve, Inc - in progress) Much of what is developed for K-12 standards is primarily K-12 talking with itself K-12 approach meshes secondary with K-5 & 6-8

5. Process and Charge to Scientist Panels Extensive pre-meeting reading on K-12 education sent to scientists 4 weeks prior to meeting Each panel met face-to-face in a facilitated workshop for two days What (physics/chemistry) content do the 80% - 90% of Virginia�s high school graduates who rely on SOL need to know to participate in political, economic, social, and technological world of the 21st century? Preparing to be a competent citizen: Not about advanced science

6. Some Selected Science (Chemistry & Physics) Results Current standards are dated to mid 20th century. Contemporary applications & emerging technologies in physics and chemistry must be taught Nano, biochemistry and biophysics, particle physics to quark/gluon level, superconductors, plasmas, LED, LCD, etc�.. Teachers need to have access to an open-source wiki for timely collaborative development of contemporary applications, emerging technologies, and laboratories Organic chemistry is essential Laboratories and demonstrations employing state-of-the-practice equipment and methods must be integrated into Physics and Chemistry courses and be assessed* Written lab reports required Consider Leon Lederman�s �ARISE� or �Physics First� science curriculum from Fermilab as a total restructuring

8. Scientist Panel Findings v. Fordham Institute �State of the State Standards� So how could Virginia receive an �A� on current K-12 science SOL in 2007 Fordham Evaluation? Fordham evaluates seven areas for K-12 aggregate Science content & approach 27 pts Organization 9 pts Seriousness 6 pts Quality 9 pts Expectations, purpose, audience 12 pts Inquiry 3 pts Evolution 3 pts Scientist panels evaluated content only and only for physics and chemistry capstone courses

11. Summary Need to impact change state by state State departments of education and boards generally lack S&E skills Need to impact national �standards� with increasing authority of practicing scientists on capstone courses (earth science, biology, physics, chemistry) Educationalist:Scientist ratio = 5:1 for K-5 but 1:5 for secondary Departments of Education can generally be pedagogy centric Develop scientist-driven nano standards examples CCSSO* could be very influential (state superintendents) ADP (American Diploma Project - Achieve, Inc) can be influential with participating states Teacher-authored media on contemporary and emerging science has been shown

12. Backup Slides