Revamping Nebraska’s Science Standards: A Call for Public Input on Proposed Revisions

Nebraska’s College and Career Ready Standards for Science are set to undergo revisions, as required by state law to update standards for reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies every seven years. The first draft of the proposed science standards has been released by the Nebraska Department of Education, and they are seeking input from the public as part of the standards review and revision process.

The current science standards were approved in 2017 and create the framework for science education in the state. Educators from pre-kindergarten to postsecondary, including public and non-public schools, helped develop the first draft of the proposed science standards. These standards reflect the knowledge and skills students are expected to learn in the science content area and provide guidance to teachers as they develop learning experiences for students.

It is important to note that standards do not prescribe specific curriculum, lessons, teaching techniques, or activities. Those decisions are made locally by individual school districts and classroom teachers. The public is encouraged to review the proposed draft of the science standards and provide input through a public input survey and a science standards input email address before the deadline on May 30, 2024. Approval is expected to be finalized by the State Board of Education in the fall of 2024.