An Introduction

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• An Introduction

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A five-year National Science Foundation grant for
the advancement of science education throughout
Northwest Washington The North Cascades and
Olympic Science Partnership is dedicated to the
improvement of teaching and learning in both K-12
and higher education, resulting in
ever-increasing science competencies for all
students and teachers.
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Partners

• K-12 Institutions
• 28 School Districts Whatcom County (8), Skagit
  County (7), and the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsula
  (13)
• 2 Education Service Districts NWESD189 (Whatcom
  and Skagit Districts) and OESD114 (Peninsula
  Districts)

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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• Institutions of Higher Education
• Western Washington University
• Everett Community College
• Northwest Indian College
• Skagit Valley College
• Whatcom Community College

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Partners

• Supporting Agencies
• Washington State LASER
• Washington State MESA
• Naval Undersea Museum Foundation

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Partnership Goals

• All students succeed in challenging science
  curriculum aligned with standards.
• Administrators understand and support science
  education reform goals and programs.
• Knowledgeable and confident teachers use
  curriculum with integrity and fidelity.
• The quantity, quality and diversity of teachers
  entering the workforce increases through
  effective recruitment, preparation, and
  retention.
• Science education research provides
  evidence-based contributions to the learning and
  teaching knowledge base.

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
7
Teacher Leaders

• Teacher Leaders from every elementary, middle and
  high school support building-based professional
  development for teachers
• Personal professional development
• Leadership within school and district

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Teacher Leaders Professional Development

• Summer Academy
• 3 summers 3 content strands
• Physical science
• Life Science
• Earth Science
• Goals
• Build content knowledge
• Provide support for implementing new strategies
  and sharing this knowledge with other teachers.
• Develop leadership skills

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Teacher Leaders Professional Development

• Learning Community Forums
• Monthly meetings bring together Teacher Leaders,
  colleagues and administration
• Identify and expand understanding of best
  practices in science teaching
• Leadership in science teaching

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
10
Teacher Leaders Professional Development

• Personal Practice and Reflection
• Release time to develop science practice
• Work with Teacher on Special Assignment to
  further science practice
• Fulfill District requirements related to the grant

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
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Teacher Leaders Professional Development
Lesson Study Professional development model
initiated in Japanese schools, in which teachers
collaboratively plan, observe and debrief a
lesson A collaborative process for doing action
research in a classroom setting Uses a
lesson as a window into student learning Ends
in generalized findings about student learning
Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060
12
Teacher Leaders Leadership

• Share experiences and learning
• Whole school presentation
• Demonstration lessons with grade
  level/department
• Lesson Study

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation
under Grant No. HER-0315060