Florida pushes for new science standards in schools. Here’s what to know

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Education has announced that new science standards may be coming for students in the state.

In a release, FDOE officials said they are conducting a “comprehensive rewrite” of the current K-12 science standards to “ensure students learn real science — knowledge, evidence, inquiry, reason, and virtue — NOT ideology.”

According to the FDOE website, Florida’s K-12 B.E.S.T. Standards for Science focus on improving students’ problem-solving skills while incorporating Florida-specific examples, technologies, and nature resources when appropriate.

“Students encounter connections to Florida’s environments, agricultural systems, forests, wetlands, springs, rivers, estuaries, coastal regions, fisheries, space industry, weather patterns, energy resources, and communities throughout their K-12 science experience,” the website reads. “These examples are not separate content expectations, but rather meaningful contexts that help students apply scientific knowledge to authentic situations while building understanding of Florida’s environmental, economic, and cultural significance.”

As part of the rewrite, though, FDOE is gathering public input via a “Science Standards Listening Tour” being held this week.

Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack even took to social media to encourage people to share their thoughts on how to improve the science standards.

“The book of nature is intelligible. Our students should be taught to read it,” he wrote. “Join the listening tour. Help restore the discipline.”

The FDOE laid out the listening tour schedule as follows:

• Sept. 29 — Hillsborough County
  • Armwood High School (5 - 7 p.m. )
• Sept. 30 — Virtual Option
  • Teams Meeting Link
• Oct. 5 — Walton County
  • Walton High School (5 - 7 p.m.)

For more information about the initiative, visit the FDOE’s website here.