SEEd Implementation Update

At this time, USBE is arranging a special session to assist in approving the SEEd standards in June. If this does in fact occur, we will start working toward full implementation for K-5 and 9-12. It is expected that the new science standards will be fully implemented statewide for the 2020-2021 school year which also means the new science assessments should be in place in the Spring of 2021 for grades 4 and up.

The State Science Specialist has recommended the following rollout of the standards:

• Kindergarten to Grade 3 classes can start fully or partially implementing new SEEd standards starting next school year (2019-20) because there is no assigned end of year state test.
• Grade 4 to 5 classes can start to implement any parts of the new SEEd standards that align to the current science content because the student RISE test in the Spring of 2020 will be aligned to the current science standards content. Teachers can also using the Science and Engineering Practices and the Crosscutting Concepts found in the new SEEd standards for the 2019-20 school year as these will improve students’ science literacy.
• High School Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics classes can start fully or partially implementing new SEEd Standards next school year (2019-20) because the focus of the Utah Aspire Plus is on science practices and reasoning which is a main focus of the new SEEd Standards.

Our District has a week of SEEd/STEM training for PreK-6 teachers the week of June 17-21. It is recommended that elementary teachers attend this training as the focus will be on Science and Engineering Practices and and Cross Cutting Concepts. (See attached flyer for more information.)

Following the adoption of the new K-5 and High School SEEd Standards we will work with the the staff of Utah State Board of Education to plan and develop even more resources and professional learning experiences that will help all teachers as we move to fully implementing new State SEEd Standards.

Please expect another update after the standards approval process. If you have questions, please contact saram@provo.edu.

SEEd Implementation Informational Flyer