Science Instruction at the Minneapolis Public Schools is Even Worse than for Mathematics and Reading

As intellectually corrupt as are curriculum and teaching of mathematics and language arts in the Minneapolis public schools;  and as deficient as are student knowledge and skill sets in history, government, economics, and psychology;  matters are even worse in the natural sciences.

 

The same set of circumstances applies as is the case for these other subject areas, with the analogy particularly germane with regard to the field of mathematics:  teachers at K-5 are mostly devoid of knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics;  teachers at the secondary (middle and high school) level receive any advanced degrees in Teaching of Science, rather than in biology, chemistry, and physics;  and most teachers of high school Advanced Placement courses are not knowledgeable enough to provide even adequate instruction.

 

As with that amorphous field known as social studies, and for the fields of mathematics and language arts, the Minnesota State Science Standards are not being taught in the Minneapolis Public Schools, which makes decision-makers and staff both legally and morally culpable.

 

Below please review the introduction to the Minnesota State Science Standards as presented on the website of the Minnesota Department of Education:

 

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Science Education Standards Review Process

The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to announce the formation of the Science Education Standards Review Committee (see below).  This committee will meet during the 2018-19 school year to review the current (2009) standards, gather feedback, and propose new standards.  The date by which all schools must implement the new standards will be determined during the rulemaking process.

Tell MDE what you think about the current science standards!

As part of the standards review process, the public is invited to comment on the current (2009) science standards. This process will be open through September 11, 2018.
Review the standards and complete the public feedback survey.

Please share this message with science educators, science organizations, and others who may be interested in completing the feedback survey.

For more information about the standards review process, contact John Olson 651-582-8673.

Standards, Assessments and Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements in Science include standards and course requirements. See the Graduation Requirements page.

Student progress on the science standards is assessed by the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCAs) at grades five and eight, and once in high school in the year that the student completes a biology course. Information and support materials on science testing are available on the Statewide Testing page.

In addition to the state science standards, there are standards for literacy in science included in the Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in English Language Arts (2010).

Minnesota is a lead state in the development of the Next Generation of Science Standards. This is a cooperative effort of several states to provide standards that could be adopted by all states. The standards are based on A Framework for K-12 Science Education developed by the National Research Council. The framework sets the vision for science education and identifies science and engineering practices, core disciplinary ideas, and cross-cutting concepts. View the framework at the National Academies Press.

Special Projects

The Frameworks for Minnesota Mathematics and Science Standards is an online resource for use by educators for planning instruction, professional development, curriculum design and assessment. It provides instructional resources directly connected to each standard. It also has sections focused on best practices and standards implementation. The website is a collaboration of Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and SciMathMN and reflects the expertise of teachers in identifying resources. View the frameworks.

getSTEM is a web portal that connects more than a thousand Minnesota educators and businesses. The website provides a sharing network, allowing schools to request materials and human resources such as equipment, volunteers, speakers and judges. Businesses, in turn, offer materials, programs, and presentations to schools. getSTEM is a collaborative project of MDE and the Minnesota High Technology Council. Visit getSTEM and get going!

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal has created a safety checklist for school science facilities and practices. View the checklist at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Additional safety guidelines and information are available in the Science Best Practices/Resources section of the frameworks.

The Minnesota STEM Network is a project to improve STEM education in Minnesota by addressing critical issues and forming collaborations across the state. The project is sponsored by SciMathMN. Visit the STEM Network website.

Recognition and Awards Programs
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Two teachers from each state receive the award annually. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. Honorees receive a monetary award as well as a weeklong professional development opportunity in Washington, D.C. Visit the Presidential Awards website to learn more.

The National Youth Science Camp scholarship provides two 12th-grade students a free, four-week summer science and outdoor experience in the mountains of West Virginia. Scientists from across the nation present lectures and hands-on science seminars and interact informally with student delegates. The experience includes overnight expeditions into the Monongahela National Forest, featuring backpacking, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, or kayaking opportunities. A visit to Washington, D.C. permits delegates to visit some of the nation’s premier scientific, governmental, and cultural facilities. Applications are due in February. Contact the state science specialist for more information.