Florida education officials are taking another look at the state’s B.E.S.T. Science Standards, emphasizing that “science begins in wonder, not in ideology.”
TAMPA, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education has overhauled its K-12 science standards and is inviting families to weigh in on the proposed changes.
As part of the review, state officials are organizing a listening tour where parents, students and teachers can offer feedback on revisions to the B.E.S.T. Science Standards.
According to the department, the updated framework is designed to help students observe carefully, ask questions, conduct investigations, evaluate evidence, test theories and reconsider their conclusions when the facts point in a different direction.
“Science begins in wonder, not in ideology,” the FDOE wrote in a post on X announcing the updates. The statement adds that the classical tradition viewed nature as understandable because it was ordered, describing creation as a book that reason can read.
The department also says the revised standards will give students stronger connections to the communities where they live.
“By embedding Florida-based contexts throughout the standards, students develop deeper connections between scientific concepts and the natural systems, resources, and industries that shape their state,” the FDOE website says.
The proposal also includes updated instruction guidelines covering health and nutrition.
The statewide listening tour is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 5 p.m. at Armwood High School in Seffner. A virtual session is planned for Wednesday.
The science standards review is the latest proposed change to Florida’s education system. Earlier this month, the department approved new classroom guidelines for artificial intelligence. In July, a state law took effect restoring requirements for cursive writing instruction in Florida schools.