Oklahoma Academic Science Standards Review Process 2019-2020

Draft Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science Available for Public Comment

The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) is seeking feedback on the revised Draft Oklahoma PreK-12 Academic Standards for Science, which are up for review and revision in 2019-2020. The OSDE facilitates a revision of academic subject matter standards every six years in accordance with 70 O.S. § 11-103.6a.

"The subject matter standards shall be thoroughly reviewed by the State Board every six (6) years according to and in coordination with the existing subject area textbook adoption cycle. After review, the State Board shall adopt any revisions in such subject matter standards deemed necessary to achieve further improvements in the quality of education for the standards of this state." - 70 O.S. § 11-103.6a

Academic subject matter standards are concise, written descriptions of what students are expected to know and be able to do at a specific stage of their education. Academic standards describe educational objectives (i.e., what students should have learned by the end of a course, grade level or grade span), but they do not describe a particular teaching practice, curriculum or assessment method.

Important Note: Due to a data entry error, a standard was inadvertently duplicated. Standard 7.PS3.1 mirrored standard 8.LS3.1. The standard for 7.PS3.1 has been updated.

The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science were last reviewed and revised in 2013-2014. OSDE asks that all interested stakeholders provide feedback on the standards and suggests the following process below:

1. Gather a team of stakeholders and set aside approximately one hour to complete a review for each subject and grade band you choose.
2. Download the Draft Oklahoma Academic Standard for Science published on 11.18.19 for public comment.
3. Submit feedback by December 17, 2019 to publiccommentscience@sde.ok.gov 

All feedback received during the Public Comment period will be reviewed by the OSDE and the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science Executive and Writing Committees for consideration in the revision process.

For more information about the standards review process, contact Tiffany Neill, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov

Review and Revision Process for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science

Vision and Guiding Principles

The overarching goal of science education is to ensure that by the end of 12th grade, all students have some appreciation of the beauty and wonder of science; possess sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on related issues; are careful consumers of scientific and technological information related to their everyday lives; are able to continue to learn about science outside of school; and have the skills to enter careers of their choice, including (but not limited to) careers in science, engineering and technology. In order to accomplish this task, the individuals involved in the revision of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science are asked to create standards that:

• Are clear, concise, objective, measurable and grade-level appropriate;
• Ensure students are college, career and citizen ready;
• Do not require a specific teaching methodology or curriculum;
• Develop science and engineering practices that deep understanding of science concepts;
• Exhibit strong progression in learning across grade levels;
• Support real-world applications by focusing on students explaining a natural phenomenon and designing solutions to problems.

Executive Committee

An Executive Committee was established to assist in planning the revision process for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science and to select representatives to serve on Draft and Writing Committees. Executive Committee members also serve as members of the Writing Committee. OSDE extends a special thanks to the following Executive Committee members who are giving their time, service and expertise to the revision process:

• Xan Black – Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance

• Wendy Howard — Frederick Public Schools

• Heather Johnston — Putnam City Public Schools

• Chanda Peters – Woodward Public Schools

• Michelle Rahn – Claremore Public Schools, Presidential Award Winner for Science Teaching

• Dr. Dan Vincent – University of Central Oklahoma

Writing Committee

Through an application process, the Writing Committee was selected to revise the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. The committee met on five occasions and numerous times virtually and was comprised of 41 representatives from PK-12 education, higher education, and community members from across the state.

Draft Committee

Through an application process, the Draft Committee was selected to review draft standards developed by the Writing Committee and provide feedback. The committee was comprised of 27 representatives from PK-12 education, higher education and community members from across the state.

View the full list of Committee members.

Standards Revision Timeline

• March 12, 2019: Standards committee applications opened
• April 11, 2019: Standards committee applications closed
• May – November 2019: Writing Committee met to draft standards
  • May 14, 2019: Writing Committee meeting
  • June 12, 2019: Writing Committee meeting
  • July 30, 2019: Writing Committee meeting
  • September 10, 2019: Writing Committee meeting
  • October 22, 2019: Writing Committee meeting
• August – November 2019: Draft Committee met virtually to review and provide feedback on the standards
• October – November 2019: Focus groups held
• November 2019: Writing Committee met virtually to address Draft Committee final feedback and focus group feedback
• November 14th - December 17 2019: Public Comment period
• January 2020: Writing Committee met virtually to address Public Comment feedback
• February 27, 2020: The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved the revised Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science
• March 2020: The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science will be submitted to the Oklahoma State Legislature for consideration

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How are public comments utilized in the standards development process?
Public comments inform the Writing Committee in the areas of clarity, grade-level appropriateness and general opportunities to improve the standards. While every review is considered, common themes often arise and are given particularly careful consideration.

2. When will these standards be officially adopted?
The standards will be presented to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for consideration at the February 2020 Board meeting. Pending approval, they will then be submitted to the Oklahoma Legislature for consideration of approval.

3. When should these standards be implemented in Oklahoma schools and when will they be assessed at a state level?
Upon approval of standards from the Oklahoma Legislature during the 2020 Legislative Session, Oklahoma schools can begin implementation during the 2020-2021 school year. However, the 2020 Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science will not be assessed in Grade 5, Grade 8 and High School until 2022-2023. Many support structures and professional development opportunities will be provided beginning in the same school year to support implementation.

4. Will Science Curriculum Frameworks be updated?
Upon approval of standards from the Oklahoma Legislature during the 2020 Legislative Session, the Oklahoma State Department of Education will begin the process of working with Oklahoma educators to revise the Oklahoma Science Curriculum Frameworks to support educators with the implementation of the new standards. The current science curriculum frameworks can be viewed here.

5. When will school districts be able to purchase new textbooks for science?
The Oklahoma State Textbook Committee will review science instructional materials beginning in July 2020. In November 2020, the Oklahoma State Textbook Committee will vote on an approved list of textbooks/instructional materials in accordance with the laws and legislation outline in http://oktextbooks.ok.gov/textbook_pdf/LawandLegis.pdf. School districts will have an opportunity to review instructional materials from the approved list from December 2020 to June 2021. School districts may use textbook funds to purchase new textbooks/instructional materials for science beginning July 1, 2021.