State board hears update on overhaul of K-12 science standards; public comment set for August

At a June 8 State Board of Education work session, Dr. Dennis Coe, superintendent of Dothan City Schools, told board members the science course of study committee is roughly halfway through drafting updated K–12 science standards and expects to open the draft for public comment in August.

“The standards are divided into the following grade bands,” Coe said. “So we have grades K through 2, grades 3 through 5, 6 through 8, and grades 9 through 12.” He added that the committee plans to bring a proposal to the board’s November work session and seek formal adoption in December. Textbook procurement tied to the new standards, he said, is expected to begin in January.

The committee includes 41 members, Coe said, with a mix of classroom teachers, administrators, university faculty and governor appointees. He described the membership as local to Alabama and said the group swore oaths to avoid conflicts of interest and agreed to keep proceedings confidential while drafting the standards. Coe emphasized the work focuses on standards rather than curriculum: “We are not working on curriculum,” he said, drawing an analogy that standards are the rules of play while curriculum is the practice used in classrooms.

Board members and staff said the committee is using the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) framework as a reference point; Coe noted the NAEP framework in use for U.S. science assessment dates to 2005 and was implemented in 2009 and that NAEP plans another framework update in 2028. The committee has reviewed standards from higher‑performing NAEP entities and neighboring states, including Wyoming, Massachusetts, Florida, Tennessee and Texas, while saying Alabama will adopt what fits state law and rules rather than copying other states.

Kathy Jones and other State Department of Education staff are facilitating the writing process, Coe said, and Holly Summerlin was singled out for managing paperwork. Coe said subcommittees meet monthly and that the work seeks a balance between clarity for new teachers and higher rigor.

Coe also outlined the subject areas and grade‑band structure the committee is drafting: elementary science by grade (K–5), and for secondary work in earth and space science, life science, physical science, biology, chemistry, environmental science, human anatomy and physiology, and physics.

Board members asked about opportunities for public review and how the department will publicize the draft. Staff said the department will issue a media release, post materials on the department website and notify curriculum directors and professional associations. Coe said expert review will also be used during the public comment window.

The board did not take any formal action on the standards at the meeting; staff said the committee’s timeline foresees additional drafting over the summer, an August public comment period and formal board consideration in late fall and winter.

Less critical details: Coe said the committee includes 11 teachers certified for early grades (K–3/K–6), 10 secondary science teachers (three national board certified), six school administrators (five with science certification), six university science faculty (including one dean) and seven governor appointees with varied expertise.