The Impact of COVID-19 on Science Education: Early Evidence from California

Overview & Synopsis

The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS)--adopted in 2013--have the potential to improve scientific literacy and strengthen the global competitiveness of California's workforce. However, longstanding underinvestment in science education and the unprecedented disruptions caused by COVID-19 have heightened challenges faced by California's districts, schools, and students. In this report, the authors use data from multiple sources to understand the impact of COVID-19 on science education when schools were mainly virtual. The authors found that: (COVID-19 derailed science education in most; (2) Support for science education was limited; (3) County offices of education received fewer requests for science-related assistance; (4) Most district recovery plans do not prioritize science education; and (5) California can take steps to support equitable investments in science education. [For "The Impact of COVID-19 on Science Education. Policy Brief," see ED623555. For "The Impact of COVID-19 on Science Education. Technical Appendices," see ED623557.]