This month’s topic focuses on the NAEP results and the fact that while the results from the eighth graders knowledge of basic science test increased from 30% to 32% being rated “at or above proficient” the science education community does not feel that is nearly enough progress.  Personally I agree,  this means just about one-third of the eighth grade students in this country are “at or above proficiency” on the NAEP test meaning two-thirds are below proficient.  Now I know what the statement will be – tests don’t measure everything, we can’t continue to compare ourselves to each other using a single measure, tests are not authentic assessments that show application of knowledge.  Personally, I agree with all of those statements as well.  However, the reality of the situation is tests are here and we are going to use them for comparison – so with that in mind – it is at least positive that our scores are moving in the right direction – UP!  What are your thoughts on this? Do you think the development of the Next Generation Science Standards will help our students? Do you think the NAEP test will adopt the content found in the NGSS once completed?