Next Generation Science Standards

Next Generation Science Standards and Credentialing

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) give local educators the flexibility to design science courses through a new approach to integration of the sciences.  Employers may design science courses that rely on "cross-cutting" a second science concept into a course that has a main science area as the primary focus.  Cross-cutting highlights connections within and among the science disciplines by providing a bridge between concepts and connecting core ideas.  The Commission recognizes that this new approach to science at the high school level requires additional guidance to identify which credential authorizations can teach these different levels of science content.

To identify the appropriate credential authorization, employers must first determine what the primary science content area is for a science course at the high school level.  Employers should then identify if the course includes a secondary science content, and determine if that secondary content is also a main focus of the course, or if it is used for the crosscutting aspect of the course.  An educator must hold a credential that authorizes the science area(s) identified as a main science content area.  If the course includes a cross-cutting concept, a science authorization covering foundational-level science content or a science authorization for the science area of the cross-cutting concept is appropriate.

The example below shows primary science courses that are cross-cut with Geosciences, requiring either foundational science content or Geosciences to authorize the cross-cutting concept for the course.  It is important to note that the four full science authorizations of Science: Biological Sciences, Science: Chemistry, Science: Geosciences, and Science: Physics authorize both the main science content area indicated in the authorization and foundational-level science content.

The California Department of Education (CDE) has developed specific course models that may be used by local employing agencies for teaching Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) as the middle and high school levels.  The information below directly addresses the various course models recommended for high school curriculum.