Featured Panel

California Perspectives on Science Education Policy

Friday, April 17 • 8:00-9:00 AM

Panelists:

• Christine Hirst Bernhardt, NOVA SySTEMic and President-Elect of the National Earth Science Teachers Association
• James Brown, Executive Director, STEM Education Coalition (Moderator)
• Melissa Marcucci, President, Board of Directors, California Association of Science Educators
• Alex Molinich, President, Hands On Science Partnership, Aldon Corporation
• California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

About the Session

California remains at the forefront of science education innovation, guided by NGSS implementation, major investments in climate and clean-energy learning, and expanding career-connected pathways. At the same time, state legislators and education policymakers are confronting persistent challenges: uneven access to high-quality science instruction, shortages in the science teacher workforce, growing pressures on professional learning, and wide variation in district-level accountability and assessment practices. New debates around AI literacy, modernization of science assessments, and the role of industry partnerships are further shaping expectations for science teaching and learning. This NSTA policy briefing in Anaheim will convene California science education leaders, corporate stakeholders and science education policy experts for a focused discussion on the most urgent issues affecting science education in 2026. The session will highlight opportunities to strengthen teacher preparation and retention, sustain NGSS implementation, support hands-on and real-world learning, and ensure that science maintains its place as a core component of a well-rounded education.