Although the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS Lead States 2013) were released over two years ago, misconceptions about what they are--and are not--persist. The "NGSS" provide for consistent science education opportunities for all students--regardless of demographics--with a level of rigor expected in every location and community. All students can study and achieve in science. The "NGSS" are based upon the National Research Council's consensus report "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (NRC 2012). The "NGSS" passed a fidelity review by the NRC in which reviewers analyzed the congruency of the standards with the vision and content of the "Framework." As a New York science teacher active in local, state, and national discussions about sciene standards, and a member of the "NGSS" writing team, the author has encountered common misconceptions about the "NGSS" in these discussions with fellow teachers. In this article, the author addresses the misconceptions most relevant in the science classroom.