Science
News & Announcements
Review of the 2018 Science Standards of Learning
At its February 2, 2023, meeting, the State Board of Education (Board) authorized the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to proceed with the development and review process of the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
The Science Standards of Learning Review and Implementation timeline is currently being reviewed by VDOE leadership. An updated timeline will be announced publicly once details are determined.
Roundtable Discussions and Public Comment on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning: Postponed
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) roundtable discussions have been postponed. Feedback can also be provided through the form Comments on the 2018 Science Standards of Learning or by emailing comments directly to vdoe.science@doe.virginia.gov. Comments must be received by May 31, 2024.
Science Instructional Plans (SIPs)
The Science Instructional Plans are currently housed in #GoOpenVA and can easily be accessed through the Science VDOE group. Find lesson plans for each grade level and discipline that were created to engage students as they build science conceptual understanding using the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
Resources
For additional information on science Instructional Resources, Assessment Resources, and Professional Development – navigate using the following buttons.
Science Standards of Learning: Scientific and Engineering Practices
The Scientific and Engineering Practices reflected in the 2018 Science Standards of Learning describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate the natural world and the practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems.
The 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework includes scientific and engineering practices that are directly connected to science concepts. They are located within the Essential Knowledge and Practices and identified with a leaf bullet (). By utilizing both scientific and engineering practices in the science classroom, students develop a deeper understanding and competences with techniques at the heart of each discipline.
Clarification on the use of Computer Science courses to meet Science Graduation Requirements
In March 2023, the Board of Education approved the updated Board of Education Approved Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements for the Standard and Advanced Studies Diploma in Virginia Public Schools. The BOE approved science courses section within this document indicates that AP Computer Science A (10157) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Computer Science (10159) may be used to meet a science coursework requirement for Standard and Advanced diplomas.
Although these two computer science courses can be used to meet the science coursework requirements for these two diplomas, neither course can be used to meet the discipline requirements for science. Standard diploma graduation requirements indicate that students must have three BOE approved science courses that represent a minimum of two science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics). Advanced diploma graduation requirements indicate that students must have four BOE approved courses that represent a minimum of three disciplines. Since Computer Science is not a discipline of science, it cannot be used to meet the discipline requirements in science for Standard or Advanced diploma in Virginia.
Need Science Instructional Support?
Please reach out to any member of the Science Instructional Team!