The Detroit Free Press – Lori Higgins
“Forget memorizing the ins and outs of life cycles, photosynthesis and matter. If Michigan kids want to succeed in today’s science classes — and pull their test scores out of the bottom — they’re going to have to ask questions, investigate, analyze data, develop evidence and defend their conclusions. In short, they’re going to have to think, act and learn like scientists. That’s the gist of proposed new Michigan standards in science that are aimed at turning around the dismal performance of students in the subject. More than 80% of elementary and middle school students failed the science portion of the MEAP the last time it was given in 2013. Meanwhile, the state’s goal is for 85% of students to be proficient in science by 2022.”(more)