SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that four focus group meetings would be held across California to gather public input on the update of the Science Framework for California Public Schools Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve (Science Framework).

"Curriculum frameworks provide guidance to teachers, administrators, and parents on what the curriculum should look like in the classroom," O’Connell said. "The updated Science Framework will be a tool for expanding implementation of the Science Content Standards for California Public Schools and making connections between the learning of science and fundamental skills of reading, writing, and mathematics to support student achievement. This will also be an opportunity to incorporate environmental principles and concepts in the framework. The public’s input in this matter is vital to ensure the state provides students the education they need to compete in a more global economy that requires a firm foundation in science education."

The focus group meetings will be held at the following locations:

October 23, 2008
Riverside County Office of Education
3939 13th St., Riverside, CA 92502-0868

October 24, 2008
Orange County Office of Education
200 Kalmus Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92628-9050

October 27, 2008
San Joaquin County Office of Education
2901 Arch-Airport Rd., Stockton, CA 95213-9030

October 28, 2008
Alameda County Office of Education
313 West Winton Ave., Hayward, CA 94544-1136

More information about the focus groups, including a form for those interested in participating as a focus group member, will soon be posted at Curriculum Frameworks - Science. All of the focus group meetings will be open to the public, and any interested individuals are welcome to attend.