Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by RealClear Education on January 27, 2025. It’s shared here with permission.
America’s approach to science education needs a serious upgrade. The National Association of Scholars and Freedom in Education have launched The Franklin Standards: Model K-12 State Science Standards. These new standards focus on clear, factual knowledge and aim to get students ready for college, careers, and active citizenship.
Current state science standards have fallen short. Many states have adopted methods tied to the Next Generation Science Standards, which have led to vague teaching methods and a lack of vital scientific knowledge among students. This shortfall is troubling, especially considering America’s need for skilled scientists and technicians. The country faces intense competition from nations like China, and a poorly educated public cannot assess claims about scientific policy effectively.
The Franklin Standards cover essential subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Sciences, Technology and Engineering, and the History of Science. They also emphasize the importance of math, helping all students, even those not pursuing science, grasp fundamental concepts for their personal and civic lives. The clarity of the Franklin Standards helps teachers deliver effective lessons and makes it easier for parents to understand how well their children are learning science.
But science standards are only part of the puzzle. Math standards also require reform. The Common Core initiative, implemented in 2010, shifted the focus from essential skills to “inquiry-based learning,” which often lacks concrete answers. As a result, many students are not mastering essential math concepts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 13-year-olds’ math scores have dropped significantly. In 2022, American students ranked 28th out of 37 countries in math assessments, revealing a national crisis in math education.
Beyond science and math, all subjects need attention. The Franklin Standards include components for History of Science to show how science and historical context connect. Writing well-researched science papers is also encouraged because effective communication is crucial in all areas, including English Language Arts.
The National Association of Scholars and the Civics Alliance are working on additional standards too, such as the American Birthright for social studies. This collaborative effort seeks to reform Math and English Language Arts standards as well, providing a comprehensive academic framework. Improving these four areas together is necessary for a well-rounded education.
Students vary in their preparedness, and teachers face diverse classroom needs. Therefore, standards should be rigorous yet flexible, allowing teachers to adapt their lessons for different learning levels. This way, all students can grasp key concepts without political interference, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.
The Franklin Standards, American Birthright, and future Math and English guidelines should serve as reliable models. States and school districts should have the freedom to select from these options according to their needs. What’s crucial is that these standards rise above bureaucratic barriers and focus on enriching the educational experience.
In short, America requires new, robust science and math standards. Schools eager for improvement should adopt a new approach in these subjects and others—building a better educational foundation is essential for a vibrant future.
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