Connecticut House Bill HB05992

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Use Of Next Generation Science Standards.

Impact

The impact of HB 05992 could be substantial, as it would restrict educational institutions from adopting updated science teaching standards which have been developed to provide a more comprehensive and modern approach to science education. Advocates of the NGSS argue that these standards are designed to promote critical thinking and real-world applications of science concepts, preparing students for future challenges in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape. By contrast, a prohibition could hinder educational progress and limit educators' ability to effectively teach contemporary scientific knowledge.

Summary

House Bill 05992 proposes the prohibition of the use and adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) within the state's education system. This bill seeks to mandate that the Department of Education revert to utilizing the standards that were in place prior to any potential adoption of NGSS. This piece of legislation underscores a significant shift in educational policy, particularly concerning how science education is framed and delivered to students across the state.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding this bill likely revolve around the ideological divide on education standards. Supporters of NHSS may contend that dropping these contemporary standards would regress science education, while proponents of the bill argue for retaining traditional education methods over shifting to newer standards. Educational reform debates often reflect broader societal concerns about how science is taught, potentially impacting various issues such as climate change, evolution, and scientific literacy in students.