Dive Summary:

• The Next Generation Science Standards, the first broad national science education recommendations since 1996, were released Tuesday and call for across-the-board changes in science education.
• Those involved in creating the new standards--which have already angered conservative groups with their firm stance on the teaching of evolution and climate change--say they're meant to fight widespread scientific ignorance, to standardize science education and to increase the number of high school graduates choosing scientific and technical majors in college.
• The standards were developed by 26 state governments and numerous scientist and teacher groups, and while states aren't required to adopt them, 26 states--including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Kansas and New York--are committed to considering them.

From the article:

... “This is a huge deal,” said David L. Evans, the executive director of the National Science Teachers Association. “We depend on science in so many aspects of our lives. There’s a strong feeling that we need to help people understand the nature of science itself, as an intellectual pursuit.” ...