The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and state-specific science Common Core Standards share the common goal of improving science education in the United States, but they differ in several key ways:

1. Development and Adoption:

• NGSS: NGSS is a set of science education standards developed through a collaborative effort by multiple states, scientific organizations, and educators. It was designed to provide a nationally recognized framework for science education. States have the option to adopt NGSS as a whole or modify it to suit their specific needs.
• State-Specific Science Common Core Standards: State-specific standards, often referred to as Common Core Standards, are developed independently by individual states. Each state develops its own science standards based on its unique educational priorities and goals.

1. Scope:

• NGSS: NGSS is a comprehensive set of science standards that cover a wide range of science disciplines, practices, and concepts. It includes grade-level performance expectations (PEs) from kindergarten through 12th grade and emphasizes three-dimensional learning (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts).
• State-Specific Science Common Core Standards: State-specific standards can vary widely in scope and depth. Some states may adopt standards that closely align with NGSS, while others may have standards that differ significantly in terms of content and structure.

1. National Recognition:

• NGSS: NGSS is recognized as a national framework for science education and has been adopted, either fully or in part, by many states across the U.S.
• State-Specific Science Common Core Standards: State-specific standards are unique to each state and are not typically recognized or adopted by other states.

1. Flexibility:

• NGSS: NGSS provides a certain level of flexibility for states to modify the standards to meet their specific needs and requirements. However, the core framework and concepts remain consistent.
• State-Specific Science Common Core Standards: States have full control over the development and modification of their own science standards, allowing them to tailor the standards to their educational goals and priorities.

1. Alignment with Other Subjects:

• NGSS: NGSS is primarily focused on science education, with a strong emphasis on integrating science and engineering practices. It does not include standards for mathematics or English language arts.
• State-Specific Science Common Core Standards: Some states may choose to integrate science standards with their mathematics and English language arts standards as part of their broader educational framework.

In summary, the key differences between NGSS and state-specific science Common Core Standards lie in their development, scope, recognition, flexibility, and alignment with other subjects. NGSS is a nationally recognized framework, while state-specific standards vary by state and are developed independently to meet the specific needs of each state’s educational system.