The Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) Curriculum Framework is a comprehensive document that outlines the statewide guidelines for learning, teaching, and assessing science and technology/engineering in Massachusetts public schools from Pre-K through 12th grade. The purpose of the MA STE Framework is to ensure that all students in Massachusetts receive an engaging, relevant, rigorous, and coherent STE education. This preparation is crucial for civic engagement, college and career readiness, and developing scientifically and technologically literate citizens.
Key aspects of the framework include:
Integration of practices, core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in the standards: Students learn science and engineering by doing science and engineering. This involves practices like asking questions, developing models, planning investigations, analyzing data, using computational thinking, constructing explanations, and engaging in argumentation from evidence.
Coherent progression: The standards are designed to build progressively from Pre-K to 12th grade, fostering a continuous development of knowledge and skills.
Relevance and rigor: Supports phenomena-driven curriculum and instruction in leveraging real world experiences in order to develop science and engineering practices and gain a deeper understanding of content.
Inclusion of Technology/Engineering: Explicitly incorporates engineering design principles alongside traditional scientific disciplines (life science, physical science, earth and space science).
Connections to other frameworks: Highlights connections with the English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and other frameworks to promote interdisciplinary learning.
Students are assessed on STE performance expectations through the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS).
- 5th grade STE MCAS assesses learning in grades 3-5.
- 8th grade STE MCAS assesses learning in grades 6-8.
- Physics and Biology MCAS are offered at the high school level, with most students taking the Physics MCAS in 9th grade.