Welcome to the
Practical standards project
Need to learn a little about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)? The Practical Standards Project contains the necessary learning and tools to introduce anyone to the exciting world of K-12 science education!
supporting your professional learning
What is the Practical Standards Project?
No matter what your role, the Practical Standards Project (PSP) is ready to help! The PSP aims to improve student science learning experiences by helping educators and those who work with and support them to collaboratively learn about the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). PSP materials are designed to help collaborative learning teams deepen understanding of the standards through research and discourse, while valuing the perspective that each member brings to the process.
How can these resources be used to grow professionally?
Collaborators should use the two-page briefs to support initial conversations around four key processes: establishing learning teams, identifying elements of the standards, aligning materials to the standards, and creating meaningful ways for students to interact with aspects of the standards. These briefs provide key considerations for the work, vignettes that give concrete examples of the process, simple steps forward to begin work and important connections with other aspects of the Practical Standards Project.
What supports are included to aid in collaborative learning?
A set of collaboration tools focused on each of these areas will further support your learning. After each two-page PSP brief, there are two pages of brief-specific support pages. The first consists of a series of targeted questions aimed at prompting collaborative thinking, research and consensus building around the brief's focus. The last page is an open space for you to keep track of important ideas, plans and innovations that you simply can't forget!
the practical standards project briefs
PSP Overview
Critical Elements
Working Together
How can the Practical Standards Project help you?
Working Together
Critical Elements
Working Together
How can collaborating with colleagues improve standards implementation?
Critical Elements
Critical Elements
Standards Alignment
What are the most critical elements of the standards?
Standards Alignment
Standards Alignment
Standards Alignment
Why are standards-aligned materials and pedagogy so important?
Student Interaction
Standards Alignment
Student Interaction
How is the experience improved when students interact with standards?