K-12 Science Standards Revision Updates

Completed Actions:

✓Draft 2 survey of proposed K-12 Science Standards closed March 26th

✓ Raw data is being analyzed and organized

Next Steps:

• The Data Review Committee (DRC) will meet (virtually) to review survey data and prepare a report with conclusions and recommendations
• The SWT will meet (virtually) to review the DRC recommendations and conclusions and prepare Draft 3 of proposed K-12 Science Standards

Stay tuned for updates through our listservs.

North Carolina Portrait of a Graduate

Grassroots Developed, the Portrait provides a more balanced measure to determine what student success should look like

An initiative led by the N.C Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to define the skills and mindsets students need for success after high school has been unfolding since March. Now, with the help of 1,200 North Carolinians across the state, this grassroots-informed Portrait of a Graduate has been finalized.

The Portrait of a Graduate aims to ensure that North Carolina students are well equipped for the broadest range of postsecondary opportunities. Aligning with State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Catherine Truitt’s 2022 focus on the “Year of the Workforce,” the Portrait can be adopted by schools and districts to better prepare the state’s 1.5 million students for civic life, career or college.

As determined by the design teams that were part of the initiative, the statewide Portrait identifies seven competencies that students should possess upon graduation from high school to help them thrive in the 21st century. These include:

• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Empathy
• Learner’s Mindset
• Personal Responsibility

To learn more about the Portrait and competencies, click here.

Professional Development Opportunities

*These workshops are offered through the Greensboro Public Library*

Growing Up WILD Workshop: Exploring Nature with Young Children
May 2, 10 am  – 4:30 pm
Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch, 1420 Price Park Rd. Greensboro
This early childhood workshop for parents and educators focuses on childrens' sense of wonder about nature and wildlife exploration. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, it provides a foundation for developing positive impressions about nature and builds cognitive skills. Participants can earn CEUs and credit towards the NC Environmental Education Certification hours. This workshop is free and the materials are provided by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov

Wonders of Wetlands Workshop
June 9,  10 am - 4:30 pm

Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch, 1420 Price Park Rd. Greensboro
As part of Guilford County Creek Week, parents and educators learn how to teach youth about wetlands. Through this curriculum learn about the role of wetlands in the environment, types of wetlands, and fun activities to teach wetlands at an integrating concept to teach science, reading, math, art and social studies. Participants can earn CEUs and credit towards the NC Environmental Education Certification hours. This workshop is free. To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov

Playful Pedagogy
August 4, 1 pm - 3 pm
Kathleen Clay Library, 1420 Price Park Rd. Greensboro
Linda Kinney, MA Play and Playwork will share playwork inspired play pedagogy concepts that are integral part of the North Carolina Zoo’s Kidzone and Nature Play programs. Adults join us for this outdoor workshop in Price Park and see how to engage children with nature through play as we explore creative open-ended approaches to planning for play. Children, who have a natural affinity for nature, are losing their connection with the outside world. Through the unique characteristics of play - unpredictability, novelty, flexibility and imagination - children have the ability to thrive and shape their world. This workshop is free.To register, e-mail melanie.buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Math and Science Teaching Positions Open at the NC Governor’s School

Take advantage of the opportunity to work with brilliant, talented, intellectually engaged students in a thriving learning community this summer. We are specifically seeking creative, engaging Science and Math teachers. This is an opportunity to play a role in shaping a life changing summer for these amazing students. More information can be found on the employment page of our Governor’s School Website . We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews in the coming weeks. If you have questions regarding any openings, reach out to us at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you!

NC DPI Science Consultants

Dr. Debra Hall

K-5 Science

debra.hall@dpi.nc.gov

Gavin Fradel 

6-8 Science

gavin.fradel@dpi.nc.gov

Benita Tipton 

9-12 Science

 benita.tipton@dpi.nc.gov

Alexis Wood

9-12 Science

kathryn.wood@dpi.nc.gov

Additional Contacts:

Dr. Charles Aiken

Section Chief K-12 Mathematics, Science and STEM

charles.aiken@dpi.nc.gov

Howard Ginsburg

K-12 STEM Consultant

howard.ginsburg@dpi.nc.gov

Marilyn Johns

Administration Specialist

marilyn.johns@dpi.nc.gov

Disclaimer Statement: The links on this page will bring you to third party websites, owned and operated by independent parties over which NCDPI has no control. Any link you make to or from these 3rd Party Websites will be at your own risk. Any use of these 3rd Party Websites and any information you provide will be subject to and governed by the terms of the 3rd Party Website, including those relating to confidentiality, data privacy, and security.

Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, NCDPI is not in any way associated with the owner or operator of any of the 3rd Party Websites or responsible or liable for the goods and services offered by them or for anything in connection with such 3rd Party Websites. NCDPI does not endorse and makes no warranties, representations or undertakings relating to the content of any 3rd Party Website.