Assessing the Next Generation Science Standards and its effects on student and teacher learning

Abstract

Science education is at a crucial time, when states and school districts are considering aligning their standards with the Next Generation Science Standards. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the standards on student and teacher learning. Students were given Next Generation Science Standards aligned assessments and averaged together using a rubric. The results showed that students improved in their ability to identify and use the Next Generation Science Standards Science and Engineering Practices along with the Crosscutting Concepts. However, no significant gains were made in the content areas. Through student interviews, students expressed an enjoyment of learning the Practices and Crosscutting Concepts.