Comparison of science and engineering concepts in next generation science standards with Jordan Science standards

Abstract

The purpose of this Science Standards Content Crosswalk study is to compare the degree of alignment between Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Jordan's science standards in K-8. A team of 5 science educators worked together to review each NGSS standard and decide whether there is a conceptual match for it in current Jordan science standards. Rigorous content analysis and interpretation approach was used to make decisions about matches between both sets of standards. Results revealed significant misalignments between the science learning outcomes identified by NGSS and those of Jordan. Results also showed that, Physical Sciences concepts had the highest percentage (58%) of not addressed concepts in 3-5 grade band followed by Earth and Space Sciences (42%) and Life Sciences concepts (36%). However, the highest percentage of not addressed concepts in grade band 6-8 were Earth and Space Sciences (58%) followed by Physical Sciences (46%) and Life Sciences (36%) concepts. This finding can support projections of the needs for new instructional materials and for subject-specific teachers' professional development. The results also provide a clear direction for the newly established national center for curriculum to revise the national science standards and curricula.