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National
Science Education Standards
The
National Science Education Standards are designed to guide
our nation toward a scientifically literate society. Founded
in exemplary practice and research, the Standards describe
a vision of the scientifically literate person and present
criteria for science education that will allow that vision
to become reality. For more information about the Standards,
visit our National Science Education
Standards page.
Why
is science literacy important?
First, an understanding of science offers personal fulfillment
and excitement--benefits that should be shared by everyone.
Second, Americans are confronted increasingly with questions
in their lives that require scientific information and scientific
ways of thinking for informed decision making. And the collective
judgment of our people will determine how we manage shared
resources--such as air, water, and national forests.
Science
understanding and ability also will enhance the capability
of all students to hold meaningful and productive jobs in
the future. The business community needs entry-level workers
with the ability to learn, reason, think creatively, make
decisions, and solve problems. In addition, concerns regarding
economic competitiveness stress the central importance of
science and mathematics education that will allow us to keep
pace with our global competitors.
National
standards present criteria by which judgments can be made
by state and local school personnel and communities, helping
them to decide which curriculum, staff development activity,
or assessment program is appropriate. National standards encourage
policies that will bring coordination, consistency, and coherence
to the improvement of science education: They allow everyone
to move in the same direction, with the assurance that the
risks they take in the name of improving science education
will be supported by policies and practices throughout the
system.
return
to Standards page
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