The K-12 curriculum in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – may

vary widely, depending on where you live. For example, within the U.S., some, but not all, states
have adopted the Standards for Mathematical Practice that you studied in this unit, and some states
have chosen to develop their own curriculum. And outside the U.S., the curriculum in STEM fields in
elementary and middle schools may be even more markedly different.
For this discussion, select two sets of STEM field curricula. You might, for example, select the
Standards for Mathematical Practice and the ISTE (technology) Standards, about which you read in
this week’s readings. Conversely, you might select the Next Generation Science Standards and the
science standards where you live. You may select any combination that you would like.

 First, compare the two sets of standards. What similarities do you see? Why do you think those
similarities exist?
 Then, contrast the two sets of standards. What differences do you see? To what do you attribute
those differences?
 Finally, think about the teachers with whom you work. How well do you believe they understand
STEM curriculum? How well do you believe STEM curricula are taught in your community?

Be sure to support your answer with readings from this unit and with applied knowledge from your
own professional experience.
Next Generation Science Standards Versus Common Core State Standards

Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards have a similar

objective of establishing educational criteria. However, there is a critical differentiation between

them. Both Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core State Standards

(CCSS) specify what knowledge and skills students should be acquiring in each grade level to

equip them for life beyond graduation (Achieve, 2013). CCSS focuses on maths, English, and

literacy, while NGSS concentrates only on the subject of science. Although they were developed

separately, they are designed to help teachers combine them in their instructions effectively

(Soucy, n.d.).

Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards describe what students should learn in science at each

grade level, beginning from kindergarten up to high school. These standards consist of three

components that blend (Achieve, 2013). First, the core scientific subject matter, engineering, and
scientific skills have to practically utilize academic knowledge and crosscut concepts vital to all

science areas. NGSS has performance expectations for each grade level, with the three elements

and ideas on how to tie in aspects of the US Common Core State Standards (Soucy, n.d.). In our

school, since we are an IB world school, we follow IB’s curricula in each level. Nevertheless, we

can incorporate any other curricula like the NGSS or the US Common Core State Standards. In

the IB way, we do not only focus on academics especially Math and Science, but also your

values, attitudes, and social skills. Like NGSS, our system of curriculum is on-point and very

clear.

Common Core State Standards

There are two sets of standards that compose CCSS. These standards both have the same

goal of preparing high school graduates with the math and English skills they will use in college

and their professions (Soucy, n.d.).

English Language Arts/Literacy standards

The English language arts/literacy criteria concentrate on reading, writing, language, and

speaking and listening skills that develop increasingly difficult at each grade level (Albuquerque

Public Schools. (n.d.). Likewise, they stress mastery of these skills within real-life

circumstances. These standards consolidate literacy expectations for history/social studies and

science/technical subject matter (Soucy, n.d.). During Math or Science class, we teach different

math or science vocabulary to all students.

Math Standards

The Common Core Math Standards describe both the mathematical concepts students

should learn at each grade level, together with practical math skills (Albuquerque Public

Schools. (n.d.). Therefore, in addition to mastering critical mathematical subjects, like algebra or
geometry, students must express mathematical practices such as problem-solving, logic, and

modeling (Soucy, n.d.). In our IB world school, we also believe in the student’s ability to follow

instructions, such as a test, class activities, or homework.

In conclusion, nowadays, every occupation needs some science, technology, engineering,

and math (STEM). However, various students finish high school without acquiring STEM skills.

That is unfortunate to our students; it is also bad for our communities that require a well-trained

workforce needed to draw today’s employment. Maintaining our scientific and technological

leadership is essential to our economy, national security, and future. Therefore, this is not only

about science and math; it is about being ready for college, careers, and life (Soucy, n.d.).
 References

Achieve (2013). Next Generation Science Standards. Retrieved from

http://www.nextgenscience.org/understanding-standards/understanding-standards

Albuquerque Public Schools. (n.d.). Advantages of CCSS.

https://www.aps.edu/academics/common-core-state-standards/why-should-we-care

Burrell. (n.d.). What is STEM education? https://www.burrell.k12.pa.us/userfiles/-

4/my%20files/stem_faq.pdf?id=46#:~:text=A%20quality%20STEM%20program%20foc
uses,advancements%20in%20science%20and%20technology.

International Society for Technology in Education (n.d.). ISTE Standards.

https://www.iste.org/standards

Soucy, C. (n.d.). What is the difference between NGSS & CCSS?

https://study.com/academy/popular/what-is-the-difference-between-ngss-ccss.html

Burrell. (n.d.) What is S.T.E.M? https://www.burrell.k12.pa.us/userfiles/-

4/my%20files/stem_faq.pdf?id=46#:~:text=A%20quality%20STEM%20program%20foc
uses,advancements%20in%20science%20and%20technology.