They focus on issues at the school and district levels that relate to opportunities for students to learn and opportunities for teachers to teach science. In an effective science program, a set of clear goals and expectations for students must be used to guide the design, implementation, and assessment of all elements of the science program. The goals for a science program provide the statements of philosophy and the vision that drives the program and the statements of purpose that the program is designed to achieve. Curriculum frameworks should be used to guide the selection and development of units and courses of study. The curriculum framework provides a guide for moving the vision presented in the goals closer to reality.
Teachers use the guide as they select and design specific school and classroom work.
By specifying the sequence of topics in the curriculum, the guide ensures articulation and coherence across the curriculum. Using the framework, teachers design instruction that is based on the prior experiences of students but avoids unnecessary repetition. The framework guides the students as they move through their schooling. Teaching practices need to be consistent with the goals and curriculum frameworks. The program standards do not prescribe specific teaching behaviors, nor should district or school policies.