The state of Illinois adopted the Next Generation Science Standards in 2014. The standards describe important scientific ideas and practices that all students should learn by the time they leave the 12th grade. The standards integrate three important dimensions--science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts--effectively build science concepts from kindergarten through 12 grade, and integrate important concepts of engineering. The Next Generation Science Standards establish learning goals in science that will give all students the skills and knowledge they need to be informed citizens, college ready, and prepared for careers.