Science Standards Review

Maine Learning Results: Science, Technology, and Engineering

Maine’s current Science, Technology, and Engineering standards were signed into law on April 19, 2019 and are heavily adapted from the Next Generation Science Standards.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) This is a searchable site by keyword, grade, practice, crosscutting concept or disciplinary core idea.

Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) Extended Performance Expectations 

The Extended Science Expectations [EPEs] are Maine’s alternate achievement standards in science.  These standards are derived from the Next Generation Science Standards, reduced in complexity and deconstructed into smaller, more accessible steps for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.  The EPEs are the building blocks of Maine’s alternate assessment in science, the MSAA Science.

Standards Updates

 

Standards Review Process
2018 2023 2028

 
Step Time Period Details
Step 1 Fall Commissioner gives the approval to begin the standards review process
Step 2 Fall Public comment period and hearings on current content standards
Step 3 Winter

Steering Committee: A committee of content area experts who represent the cultural diversity found in Maine and a range of viewpoints as to the content of the standards is formed and tasked to:

  • review all comments submitted during the initial public comment period;
  • develop a blueprint for the revision of the state standards in their assigned content area;
  • address and advise the writing committees when deadlocks occur.

The Maine State Board of Education will appoint one member of the Steering Committee.
Step 4 Winter Maine DOE review and approval of the steering committee's recommended blueprint for standards revision
Step 5 Summer Writing Team: Teams of pk-12 public school teachers who represent Maine’s cultural and geographical diversity are formed and broken into smaller groups, facilitated by the Maine DOE content specialist, to revise content standards based on guidance from the Steering Committee.
Step 6 Summer The Writing Team submits draft proposal to the Maine Department of Education.
Step 7 Fall Internal Maine DOE review of standards revision
Step 8 Fall The Maine DOE files the standards revision document as proposed rules with the Secretary of State.
Step 9 Fall Maine DOE will hold a public hearing followed by a public comment period on the proposed rules.
Step 10 Winter Maine DOE prepares and submits provisional adoption of standards revision to the Secretary of State and Legislative Council. The Legislature, once in session in January, will refer the rule as a legislative document to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee where they will be given an LD Resolve to revise during session.
Step 11 Winter The Education and Cultural Affairs Committee will hold a public hearing and work session before sending the proposed rules on to the full legislature.
Step 12 Spring Final adoption of revised standards by the Maine State Legislature.
Step 13 Spring The Maine Department of Education will prepare the standards regulation for final adoption