| Message from the Chancellor | ||
May 17,1999 Dear Colleague: During the past couple of years, you have been hearing and reading about the adoption of New Standards™ Performance Standards by the Board of Education of the City of New York. The rationale for this decision is clear: New Standards has developed the best national standards because teachers can use them. New Standards™ Performance Standards are based on common sense as well as academic excellence; and they are ready now. Two years ago, the first New York City edition of New Standards™ Performance Standards for English Language Arts, English as a Second Language, and Spanish Language Arts was published. Last fall, the first New York City edition of New Standards™ Performance Standards for Mathematics was published. These important pedagogical books were distributed to all teachers, supervisors and administrators in the system. I am delighted to present to you the first New York City edition of New Standards™ Performance Standards for Science. Teachers, science supervisors, and administrators representing the 40 school districts and superintendencies, and representatives from colleges, universities, and informal science-rich institutions met regularly during the past two school years to conceptually plan and to calibrate the collection of student work samples contained in this New York City edition of New Standards™ Performance Standards. This calibration reflects the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science, and Technology, the New York State Commencement Standards and their assessments, as well as the diversity of our students. The work samples selected for inclusion in this edition show work that illustrates standards-setting performances. They demonstrate that all students can meet high expectations in science. Selections were made as the result of an in-depth examination of the standards and extensive discussion among the members of the group. The New York City edition enhances the original New Standards work in science. It demonstrates vertical (K-12) and lateral (life science, earth science and physical science) conceptual development, task related student work and correlation of New Standards™ Performance Standards Science with New York State Mathematics, Science, and Technology Learning Standards, the National Research Council’s Science Education Standards, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Benchmarks for Science Literacy. I expect the New Standards to be used by everyone involved in teaching and learning in our system. At the school level, teachers and administrators should use these standards to set goals, plan for effective instruction, and monitor and assess student performance. Districts and superintendencies should use the standards in all curriculum initiatives and as one way of planning professional development activities. Central staff will work closely with the districts and superintendencies on behalf of their local efforts. Central will also take action to integrate the New Standards throughout the school system. We all agree that having the highest expectations for our students is a just goal. The Science standards are clear, direct and attainable. Your discussions must now turn to “how good is good enough” and to making the goal a reality. Together we can and will make a positive difference in the lives of our students. Sincerely, |
