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Public School
All American children required to attend elementary school. -
Space Race
Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1. Sparking the push for education reform in the United States. (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
National Defense Eduation Act
In response to the lauch of Sputnik, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs into the law NDEA and the U.S. invests $887 milion to boost science education and increase funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF). (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
Epperson V. Arkansas
Supreme court rules that barring the teaching of evolution is unconstitutional. (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
One giant leap for mankind
Americans watch as Apollo lands on the moon. Forever canging the way that humans understand themselves and the world in which we live. (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
"3,2,1 Contact"
PBS launches first kids science television show focused on teaching scientific priciples and their applications. (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
Budget Cuts
The Regan administration does not recognize social science and science education as crucila components for the future of the nation. As a result 70% of the NSF budget is cut. (Hechinger Report, 2011) -
Nation at Risk
National Commission of Excellence in education releases report concluding that American children are not prepared to compete in globally and that schools were failing. (Duschl, Schweingruber & Shouse, 2007). -
Adoption of NCLB
Updated version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1964, No Child Left Behind, aims to close the achievement gap and increase accountability of schools for student achievement across all demographics. The law requires schools to test all students grade 3-8 and once in high school in math and reading. (Duschl, Schweingruber & Shouse, 2007). -
Science Testing makes an appearance
In 2007, science testing is required and added as part of NCLB. (Duschl, Schweingruber & Shouse, 2007). -
U.S. Falls Behind
"The 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) ranks the United States as 23rd in Science, 30th in Math, and 20th in Reading Literacy out of 65 OECD education systems"(Retrieved from: www.nextgenscience.org) -
Next Generation Science Standards
National Reserach Council, National Teachers Association and American Assosication for the Advancement of Science develop a set of standards that serve as a framework for teachers, much like the CCSS adopted by most states, but in regards to science. THese standards address "disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts that students should master in preparation for college and careers" (Retrieved from nextgenscience.org FAQS)