5
2018
The OKSci Framework Site Released
An article by Megan Cannon
In 2013, the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science (OAS-Science) were adopted. Within the first few years, teachers from across the state came together to develop and release the OKSci Framework Overviews. The feedback of the overviews was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers in many districts were taking the framework overviews and using them to inform their instruction. Since the release of the framework, we have been looking for more ways to support teachers in their endeavor to align their instruction to the OAS-Science. Seeing the positive feedback for the ELAOK and OKMath Framework sites, we knew we needed to have a more digital presence in the OKSci world, one that could house the framework overviews, but could also grow and develop right along with our teachers in Oklahoma.
I am excited to present the OKSci Framework website! K-12 teachers will have access to science resources for their specific grade level or subject. Once a teacher clicks on their grade level or subject, they will have three options:
- Performance Expectation Analysis
- Instructional Bundles
- Vertical Progressions
The OKSci Framework website is a live website that will continue to grow as new resources are added.
Performance Expectation Analysis
Performance Expectations represent the things students should know, understand, and be able to do to be proficient in science. Performance Expectations are the standards. Each Performance Expectation is built around A Framework for K-12 Science Education recommendation that science education in grades K-12 be built around three major dimensions:
- Science and Engineering Practices
- Crosscutting Concepts
- Disciplinary Core Ideas (NRC, 2012, p. 2)
Analysis for each standard is provided in a manner to support deep understanding for the teacher. A Framework for K-12 Science Education includes grade band endpoints for second, fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades. This information provides guidance on where students should be in their understanding of each objective by the ends of those grade levels.
Instructional Bundles
The instructional bundles represent curricular resources developed by Oklahoma teachers to help teachers translate standards into classroom practice. The Framework Overviews represent how a group of Oklahoma teachers, at a given grade level, might bundle performance expectations/standards found in the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. Bundling is how teachers would group performance expectations/standards for the purpose of developing instructional units of study.
Vertical Progressions
Vertical progression documents are provided for the Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and the Science & Engineering Practices. There is also a Domain Comparison Chart that provides a quick look at the DCI found in each grade level.
Visit OKSci Framework
About the Author: Megan Cannon
I serve as the Director of Science & Engineering Education at the Oklahoma State Department of Education. I have a passion for science education and I love that I have the chance to learn from wonderful science educators in Oklahoma!