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Science Implementation Roadmap and Timeline

Implementation Roadmap

Implementation Timeline

In December 2016, the Board of Regents approved the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards. Implementation of these standards began July 1, 2017.  Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year and continuing throughout the 2018-19 school year, districts are engaging in the “Raise Awareness & Build Capacity” phase of the approved five-year Statewide Strategic Plan for Science. In an effort to prepare for the full implementation of the new science learning standards, the Department developed a timeline related to the adoption of new science standards and the development of new science assessments.  

The Implementation Timeline and Dates for the rollout of new science assessments at Grade 5 & Grade 8, and new Regents Examinations in Science, includes an annotation of major milestones, both completed and planned, that address implementation of the five-year strategic plan over three phases. 

Update January 2023: For science, there will be an overlap period of the current and new exams for four administrations. This will ensure that students can complete the exam that matches the instruction they received. For more information, see the Implementation Schedule for New Regents Examinations in Mathematics, Science, and English Language Arts Memo.

Implementation Resources

To continue to raise awareness and build capacity locally, regional and statewide, our program office provides the following presentations: 

Questions pertaining to the implementation of the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards may be directed to the Office of Standards and Instruction via email to ScienceStandards@nysed.gov or via telephone to (518) 474-5922.