Achieve, the nonprofit that played a key role in launching the common-core standards, has released a tool called EQuIP to measure the alignment of instructional materials to the Next Generation Science Standards. Released this month, it offers guidance similar to the yardstick the group devised for the Common Core State Standards, which cover English/language arts and mathematics.
So far, 11 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the science standards, which emphasize scientific inquiry and engineering design.
The new Educators Evaluating the Quality of Instructional Products Rubric for Lessons & Units tool asks evaluators to consider whether a lesson or unit reflects the conceptual shifts in the science standards; engages and supports all students; and includes ways to monitor student progress.
