The Next Generation Science Standards Prepares Students for Further Studies

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aim to better prepare U.S. students for the rigor of career and college-level scientific study by stressing the importance and integration of the three dimensions: science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts. The standards will provide for a more integrated and cohesive approach to science instruction, leading to a more scientifically literate citizenry.

However, the NGSS also mark a change in how we think about science instruction and the task at hand-the adoption of these new standards and their incorporation into instruction-will require a significant amount of support.

The key to unlocking the full potential of the NGSS is a deep understanding of the interrelationship of the core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. NSTA's brief and easy-to-use Reader's Guide offers teachers, principals, district and state administrators-anyone with a vested interest in improving the quality of science education-the tools they need to fully absorb the new standards and begin to implement them, effectively, into classroom practices.

About the Author

Harold Pratt, a career district science coordinator and former NSTA president, is a consultant working in all areas of science education.

You can browse sample pages of this new book for free at the NSTA Science Store website at www.nsta.org/store.

For additional information or to purchase The NSTA Reader's Guide to the Next Generation Science Standards, visit the NSTA Science Store at www.nsta.org/store. To order by phone, call 800-277-5300 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET weekdays. The 42-page book is priced at $10.95 and discount-priced for NSTA members at $8.76. (Stock # PB340X, ISBN # 978-1-938946-06-6)

The Arlington, Va.-based National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership includes more than 50,000 science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in science education.

NSTA Press produces 25-30 new books and e-books each year. Focused on the preK-college market and specifically aimed at teachers of science, NSTA Press titles offer a unique blend of accurate scientific content and sound teaching strategies.