Position Statement on the Next Generation Science Standards

  The Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association fully supports recent efforts to revitalize K-12 science education with the development of A Framework for K-12 Science Education by the National Research Council and the subsequent development of the Next Generation Science Standards by the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Achieve.

The role and importance of the Earth and Space Sciences has been fully recognized and clarified by the NGSS. There is a need for more students to prepare for careers in these fields. This renewed emphasis on the Earth Sciences as one of the three major sciences will aid in directing more students to consider employment in these fields, where many quality and stable career opportunities currently exist.

The Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association is committed to providing and developing quality professional development opportunities for teachers to successfully and properly implement these standards in their classrooms. Preparation of teachers at all grade levels - elementary through high school - is essential for proper implementation of the NGSS.

Recognizing this, the Michigan Earth Science Teachers Association welcomes the opportunity to reinvent the teaching of the Earth and Space Sciences in Michigan schools. We further offer to partner with the Michigan Science Teachers Association, the Michigan Department of Education, and other interested parties in education, science agencies and private industry to develop quality curriculum and teacher training workshops for this effort.