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SALT LAKE CITY — Members of the Utah State Board of Education agreed Thursday that a proposed set of science and engineering standards for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders needs revision.
That decision came following a 90-day public comment period where teachers, parents and other stakeholders gave feedback on the proposed standards, which would replace the current standards that are about two decades old.
Results from the public comment period show the 1,011 people who gave feedback approved just short of 75 percent of the overall content of the standards. About 29 percent of respondents said they were science teachers in sixth, seventh or eighth grades, just over 30 percent were parents, and roughly 11 percent were teachers in other subjects
A prevailing criticism was a need for more clarity in how the standards provide guidance for teachers, according to Richard Scott, a K-12 science specialist with the Utah State Office of Education.
"The 90-day review period was huge. We got all kinds of wonderful, wonderful feedback," Scott said. "The biggest concern overall that we got as far as specific feedback is just the clarity of the standards. Parents, teachers, everyone that responded, really a large portion said, 'The issue I have is: What does that mean in my classroom? What does that mean for my student?' They just weren't clear enough."
Scott said the draft of the standards that the public gave feedback on was taken "word for word" from the Next Generation Science Standards, which were developed by a national consortium similar to the Common Core and used as a "basis" from which to start.
However, following the comment period, Scott said the final product will look much different.
"The writing teams have chosen to continue using (the Next Generation Science Standards) as a reference, but they will not be used word for word," he said. "We will be making definite changes to add clarity, to make it so that they can add examples and things that will help not only clarify but actually even improve the standards."
Education leaders hope the new standards will build on Utah's current science standards for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades by encouraging less memorization and more methods of active learning.
Some expressed support for the standards, saying they would allow teaching to be based more on current scientific knowledge and practices.
"Inclusion of the Next Generation Science Standards in Utah's science curriculum will prepare Utah students, like my son, for an ever-changing world and an increasingly competitive workforce," one parent said on the anonymous online survey.
The writing teams have chosen to continue using (the Next Generation Science Standards) as a reference, but they will not be used word for word. We will be making definite changes to add clarity, to make it so that they can add examples and things that will help not only clarify but actually even improve the standards.
–Richard Scott, Utah State Office of Education
"Science is an ever-evolving field," said another respondent. "I was pleased to see the science standards updated, and I feel these changes will lead students to a more accurate understanding of more scientific processes."
Others were opposed to using the Next Generation standards, including elements of controversial topics, such as climate change and evolution.
"I do not think global warming and human impact on the environment should be core standards," said a respondent. "There are much more important, fundamental concepts that should take priority over environmental education."
"Until and unless we observe a transformation through generations from one species to another, evolution remains a theory and should be taught as such," another respondent said.
In addition to the online survey, education leaders hosted five in-person meetings where members of the public supported or raised concerns for the standards.
The Standards and Assessment Committee voted to direct the writing team to "rewrite" the standards in light of the team's suggestions based on public comment.
The team plans to shift some content in the standards to improve the progression from sixth to eighth grades and ensure the content is appropriate for the learning capacity of students in each grade. The team also plans to adjust the terminology in some areas to "best meet the needs of Utah students," as well as add clarity, according to its report to the board.
"Every single standard will be rewritten for clarity and to add content," Scott said.
Brad Smith, state superintendent of public instruction, suggested that the State School Board allow for another public comment period after the standards are rewritten and before their final approval.
"It should go back to the public, in my opinion, for further input and vetting because it will be, I hope, an essentially new document," Smith said.
The full State School Board will further discuss the public feedback on the standards during its monthly meeting Friday.
