In 2008 only 39.7 percent of 10th graders passed the science section of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). In response, revised science standards for grades K-12 were recommended by a task force comprised of over 30 teachers and scientists. According to the new guidelines, all students should be able to accomplish:

• Systems thinking to analyze and understand complex phenomena.
• Inquiry activities to develop understanding of scientific ideas.
• Application of the science they are learning to solve real-world problems.
• Understanding of the domains of science: physical science, life science, and earth and space science.

“In the United States, we teach a mile wide and an inch deep. The folks that are doing better on national standardized tests teach less, more deeply,” said Mary McClellan, science director for teaching and learning at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The new, recommended science standards cover fewer concepts per year, but investigate each topic in greater depth.