Science Instruction

The Governing Board believes that science education should focus on giving students an understanding of the biological and physical aspects of science, including the place of humans in ecological systems, the causes and effects of climate change and the methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change, key scientific concepts, and methods of scientific inquiry and investigation through experiments and other activities that foster critical thinking. Students should become familiar with the natural world and the interrelationship of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering. As part of science instruction, students should learn how to apply scientific knowledge and reasoning. Philosophical and religious theories that are based, at least in part, on faith and are not subject to scientific test and refutation shall not be discussed during science instruction. The Governing Board shall adopt academic standards for science that meet or exceed the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA-NGSS) and describe the knowledge and skills students are expected to possess at each grade level, with an instructional focus on understanding the process of science, the fundamental ideas within each discipline of science, and underlying themes that are common to all sciences. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that curricula used in district schools are aligned with these standards and the state curriculum framework. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that students have access to and are enrolled in a broad course of study including science courses. The Superintendent or designee shall provide certificated staff with opportunities to participate in professional development activities designed to enhance their knowledge of district-adopted academic standards, instructional strategies for teaching science, and changes in scientific theories. The Superintendent or designee shall develop and implement appropriate safety measures for science laboratory classes in accordance with Administrative Regulation 5142 - Safety, including, but not limited to, staff and student safety training, use of eye safety devices, hearing protection, first aid procedures, regular equipment maintenance, safe use of heat sources, safe use and disposal of hazardous chemicals, proper ventilation, prevention of exposure to bloodborne pathogens from sharp instruments, fire prevention and control, an emergency response plan, and evacuation procedures. Parents/guardians shall be informed of the types of science laboratory activities that will be conducted and encouraged to sign consent forms for their child's participation. The Superintendent or designee shall at least annually report to the Governing Board regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the science curriculum at each grade level. At a minimum, each report shall address the extent to which the program is aligned with the CA-NGSS, any applicable student assessment results..