Implications for Earth and space in new K-12 science standards

New science standards for national K-12 science education are in the process of being written by a states-led team of writers organized by Achieve, Inc., with important implications for teaching Earth and space sciences. The final version of these "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) is scheduled to be released in early 2013, but a second draft of the standards will be made public in December 2012. Members of the Earth and space science (ESS) research communities can review this draft of NGSS and provide constructive feedback. Such feedback will help ensure that American students receive instruction that is accurate, relevant, and engaging.