WASHINGTON — The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have launched the Collaborative for Advancing Science Teaching and Learning in K-12 (CASTL-K12), a new activity that will convene science education stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies and practices for implementing and supporting state-level science standards.  

In 2012, the National Academies report A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlined a broad set of expectations for students based on a rich body of research on teaching and learning in science. The framework has informed the development of new standards for K-12 science and engineering education and revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. Despite a decade of progress, implementation of these standards has been inconsistent across states and districts. Although the direction laid out in the framework remains the gold standard for science and engineering education, significant work remains to make good on its considerable promise.  

CASTL-K12 will serve as a coordinating body that brings together a variety of stakeholders to pursue three primary goals:

• Launch and coordinate a networked community of practice for actors at all levels and across sectors to create the conditions necessary for implementation of framework-grounded standards.

• Build on and share existing evidence-based policies, tools, and examples for actors to leverage in their work promoting standards implementation.

• Develop a coherent set of policy, research, and practice agendas that collectively support a clear vision for implementation of science standards in the U.S.

• Launch and coordinate a networked community of practice for actors at all levels and across sectors to create the conditions necessary for implementation of framework-grounded standards.

• Build on and share existing evidence-based policies, tools, and examples for actors to leverage in their work promoting standards implementation.

• Develop a coherent set of policy, research, and practice agendas that collectively support a clear vision for implementation of science standards in the U.S.

“We are energized to bring together key players to strengthen science literacy and the future U.S. science workforce from the foundation of K-12 education,” said Heidi Schweingruber, director of the National Academies’ Board on Science Education, under which the collaborative will operate.  

Members of the collaborative will include various professionals representing different organizations and entities engaged in the work of implementing state-level science standards, such as state and local departments of education, professional associations, foundations and nonprofit organizations, and federal policymakers.  

The group will focus on three areas of strategic action: elementary science; the teacher workforce and school leadership; and policy. “Our work is grounded in improving science education for all students so they can have access to the tools and skills they need to create a thriving future,” said Schweingruber.  

Learn more about CASTL-K12 and sign up for updates on its website.  

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, engineering, and medicine. They operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln.  

Contact:
Hannah Fuller, Media Relations Officer
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; email news@nas.edu