SCIENCE STANDARDS FINAL DRAFT POSTED

[Mary Mehsikomer aka Mehsi-Mart]

Attached is the final draft of the Science Standards posted on the MDE web page. Many of you have been asking about how information and technology literacy may be incorporated.

Thanks to Elaine Keefe for giving the heads up that these have been posted at the Library Legislative Committee meeting this morning.

[Mary Mehsikomer aka Mehsi-Mart]

At first glance, if you are looking specifically for references in the benchmarks to specific information and technology literacy skills, you may be disappointed. What I did discover, however, is that there are several places in the benchmarks where the scientific process of inquiry relates to what MEMO Standards have defined as the research process, so while it is not specifically referenced as such, it is there.

There are very few references to technology literacy skills, although looking at how the content standards have been designed, there are clearly many opportunities for incorporating technology skills as part of the learning activities and curriculum. I think this group ran up against the same issues of equitable access to tools that the Math and Arts Standards Committees did. How can you require use of technology as part of the curriculum if the students and teachers may not have access to the necessary tools?

I do have to say though, in reviewing these standards, the Science Standards Committee has done a fantastic job in terms of embedding concepts of engineering and design throughout AND many of the benchmarks and provided examples speak to real world issues which will hopefully result in relevant, engaging learning for students.