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MSDE presents draft preK'4 science early learning standards, seeks public comment
Summary
MSDE staff presented draft preK'4 science early learning standards that bridge Maryland's birth-to-3 early learning indicators to the Next Generation Science Standards, emphasize play-based learning and funds of knowledge, and will enter a 30'day public comment period ahead of a full board presentation.
Mr. Carey, a presenter for the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), told the Education Policy Committee that MSDE has drafted pre-kindergarten through grade 4 science early learning standards intended to bridge Maryland's existing birth-to-3 early learning standards with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The presentation framed the standards around current brain science and child development research and emphasized that young children are capable of engaging in disciplinary science practices. "These standards provide a unique opportunity to acknowledge the agency of our students, families, and communities," Carey said, noting the document's focus on play, exploration and honoring children's home languages and diverse ways of expression.
MSDE staff described the standards' structure as consistent with the birth-to-3 document: each strand includes the standard, illustrative examples and in-practice strategies. The draft aligns preK'4 science indicators with NGSS progressions so students experience continuity from pre-kindergarten into kindergarten and beyond.
Carey said planning began in fall 2023 and a statewide expert stakeholder committee of teachers, specialists, coordinators and administrators met from March through September to review national examples and advise on the draft. MSDE characterized most committee feedback as editorial or clarifying rather than substantive changes.
Next steps: MSDE will present the draft to the full State Board of Education on December 3, and the department will open a 30-day public comment period after that presentation before returning a final version to the board. The draft document and the standards begin on page 22 of the packet provided to the committee.
The item was presented as information only; the committee did not take formal action beyond inviting questions and directing the item to the upcoming full board meeting.
