Science standards panel to decide on change today

A state panel will decide today whether to use the Next Generation Science Standards as the basis for its work. The group is working toward a final recommendation on new standards for science instruction in Iowa schools.

The Iowa Department of Education's science standards review team consists of educators and businesspeople. Its recommendation will go to the Iowa Board of Education for a final vote.

The Next Generation standards were developed by education and science experts from 26 states, including Iowa. They focus more on critical thinking, problem-solving and overarching concepts than the current Iowa Core science standards.

Standards for instruction are important, teachers have said, because they make sure students learn the same thing no matter which school they attend.

But the Next Generation standards have been met with opposition in some states. State legislators in Wyoming last year blocked funding to implement the standards amid concern over climate change instruction.

The science panel will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the Science Center of Iowa (Simulab room), 401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines.