#ngsschat Mary Loesing, STEM Chairperson in a Long Island, NY school district. Looking forward to hearing about CA's experience with NGSS implementation.
I'm Lesley Gates from Central California (Fresno County) and I'm a K-12 science instructional coach for my district @kcusd and a Project Director for our district's involvement with the Early Implementation Initiative #NGSSchat
Hi #NGSSchat—Phil Bell here from @UW and @STEMTeachTools. I'm faculty in the College of Ed & served on the Framework committee. Excited for tonight's topic!
Jeanne from Wash U STL. I write #mysci k-8 curriculum and facilitate PD. Just got back from a long workday and school event, miraculously on time for #NGSSchat . Actual picture of me tonight:
Please remember to include #NGSSchat in your tweets! We’ll be following a Q1/A1 format. Please respond to the question asked with an “A” and the number. Here comes question 1!
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
#ClassDojo 👸🏼😂🕹
needs to pay rent for the past year and for my new 👓glasses
(and the eye exam)
and medical bills.
👸🏼😂🕹JennaKleine has been using technology 😂🤣🤬😡🤯😵to
😬break things
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#NGSSchat
A1 Here's the advice we compiled back in Nov 2015 about how building level administrators can support implementation of #NGSS. I wonder what might have changed since we authored this tool. What else have we learned? #NGSSChathttps://t.co/3TniNRTsts
A1: From my observations- resources, meaningful feedback, knowledge of standards and Framework, freedom to experiment w strategies, time built in for science (k-5), and reserving judgment during what might seem like chaos (I.e. messy science fun). #ngsschat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
A1. I would like to be able to go observe teachers using NGSS in their classrooms. So time and subs and understanding would be great from admins. #NGSSChat
Hi! Jess from NJ, G&T science teacher, NGSS ambassador through the Math Science Partnership from RU & NJDOE. Currently jet lagged after returning from CA on a red eye. #NGSSchat
A1: Lots of TIME whether it be with time out of the classroom for PD (or providing PD), time to collaborate with colleagues in department teams. #NGSSchat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
A1: Two of the biggest things Ts need for this transition are cost effective: TIME and SPACE. This is a big shift for many folks. Praise progress, even if slow. Give this time to grow well. #ngsschat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
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Break things + ⛔️job opportunities.
#NGSSchat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
A1 Here's the advice we compiled back in Nov 2015 about how building level administrators can support implementation of #NGSS. I wonder what might have changed since we authored this tool. What else have we learned? #NGSSChathttps://t.co/3TniNRTsts
A1 We need our admin to allow us some time in our busy schedules to teach science in our K-5 classrooms. Also, they need to be learning about the instructional shifts of NGSS.#NGSSchat
A1 Teachers need a committed admin point-person who wholeheartedly supports #NGSS 3D learning. We're in our 3rd year of NGSS in grades 2-5. I can't thank @ThomasSemko enough for his support and collaboration getting our STEAM program up & running. #NGSSchat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
A1. I think it's important that educators and curriculum writers understand that NGSS allows creativity and alignment to the state, district and school's unique needs. As long as there is a storyline that carries the content and tasks.#NGSSchat
A1: Admin also need to understand the nature of the Practices and the CCCs. This is a big shift for admins: you're no longer just looking for content. You're also looking for DOING and CONNECTIONS. #ngsschat
Teachers I’ve worked with so far need admin to understand this is powerful learning not only for the staff but also for the teachers! They need to time try new strategies and the time to debrief and reflect! #ngsschat
Q1 What support do you (teachers) need from admin in this transition to #NGSS and what is the best way to prepare admin for providing this support? #NGSSchat
A1 Agreed, In TK-5, one key way admin can support is by creating the expectation/culture/climate that science is a core content area in all grades, not just when you have some extra time #ngsschat
We were engaged and learned so much about pushes & pulls during our science stations with @MsMikeRSD13 today! Ask me about my favorite station & what I learned. #brewster13#rsd13ct
#ngsschat A1 Admins need to invest the time to understand how the pedagogy needs to change. Classrooms should be filled with Ss talking and working together.
A1 Has anyone tried out this argument from @STEMTeachTools 21? How has it gone?
"3D science instruction is a resource-intensive venture
because students are directly investigating phenomena. This
typically involves disproportionate financial support for science." #NGSSChat
A1 one of the biggest "aha's" from the @EarlyImplement was teachers needed to feel permission from admin to try new things. For K-5 specifically, have flexibility with their ELA to make adjustments so science could be the centerpiece - those teachers are moving forward #NGSSchat
A1: Time for training (conferences, roll outs, etc), time for collaboration amongst colleagues, materials and equipment, understanding that an NGSS classroom is not quiet. Admin need to go through training WITH teachers to fully understand the shifts and 3D instruction #ngsschat
A1. I think it's important that educators and curriculum writers understand that NGSS allows creativity and alignment to the state, district and school's unique needs. As long as there is a storyline that carries the content and tasks.#NGSSchat
A1: Luckily I’ve gotten a lot of what I needed like time to work and collaborate and get feedback. From non-science admin I would like to discuss what 3-D or even 5-D learning is so they know what to look for. #NGSSchat
A1: Two of the biggest things Ts need for this transition are cost effective: TIME and SPACE. This is a big shift for many folks. Praise progress, even if slow. Give this time to grow well. #ngsschat
A2: I think the immediate hindrance is a pure lack of knowledge base/understanding of how different the NGSS is from most "old" ways of teaching the content. We have to build up our admins' bg knowledge so they know what the new "good" looks like. #ngsschat
Hi Sean & #NGSSChat Totally agree! How could it be otherwise? ;-) Assuming that this is not the case is part of the de-professionalization of teaching.
Here's some advice about how to structure the collaborative learning among teachers within a building.
https://t.co/NZxKM1tGXS
We have used this argument to assist with getting science specific language/funding into individual school site plans. The "consumable" stuff needs to be funded sustainably...(cups.soil, etc.) Its a start #ngsschat
It is so important for Ts to feel supported as they make changes. Everyone needs to be OK with the idea that everything won't be perfect the first time you try it. #NGSSChat
A1: time is so critical!! I love your idea of admin going through the training WITH the teachers...we are all in this together! What a great way to create a collaborative team spirit! #NGSSChat
This is true- I had great support from my admin. at my prior school to try something different, but a colleague had a difficult time with it- thought it took away from ELA/ Math time #ngsschat
A1. Continued...it saddens me when others just copy standard arrangements from others without evaluating teacher implementation and relevancy to the population of students at the school. NGSS is designed to fit any creative mold.#NGSSchat
Science is not a focus like English and math. All admin cares about is keeping state test scores high. They need to know that it will take time for teachers and students to learn and DO NGSS #NGSSChat
In short: Yes. I think we need multiple entry points. They need specific professional learning for them, they need to see it with kids, they need to talk to their Ts. They need it all.:) #ngsschat
A1 Here's the advice we compiled back in Nov 2015 about how building level administrators can support implementation of #NGSS. I wonder what might have changed since we authored this tool. What else have we learned? #NGSSChathttps://t.co/3TniNRTsts
Yes! Local adaptation of high-quality materials is best practice. #RelevanceMatters and it is often local. The Framework reminds us that "all science learning is cultural"—it is locally rooted. #NGSSChat
In reply to
@SmootSienna, @LGates_science, @EarlyImplement
A1 one of the biggest "aha's" from the @EarlyImplement was teachers needed to feel permission from admin to try new things. For K-5 specifically, have flexibility with their ELA to make adjustments so science could be the centerpiece - those teachers are moving forward #NGSSchat
A2) I'm fortunate that my school's admin is fully behind #NGSS implementation. That said, we only have science for 1/2 the year (6 weeks per trimester). ELA has 3 periods per day, all year; Math 2 periods per day, all year. Cross-curricular PBLs are needed. #NGSSchat
A2: I think every district is in the same boat! So how do we solve these problems? How do we advocate for teachers/school sites to get the money/time for NGSS? #NGSSchat
A2: Another road block (for us in MO anyway) is that testing for SCI is grade span at 5 and 8 and HS Bio. In short, fewer tests = less focus. Sad but true in our testing culture. :( #ngsschat
Amazing resource! I want my evaluator to read this especially the section 'Expect to hear some wrong answers as students construct their own knowledge"
#NGSSChat#figuringitout#NextGenerationsTeachers
However, very soon EVERY curricular area will be tied to science pedagogy & how SciTs have changed their class environments All Ss will benefit from #SciEDU#ngsschat
As others have mentioned, we (as teachers) have to help admin see that doing #NGSS well can help them accomplish what they are seeking in other areas too. Moving out of silos has great power #ngsschat
#NGSSchat I had a great principal. She had confidence in me and let me find my own way to make changes. She understood that my kids would be talking and moving in class. She thought it was wonderful that kids loved science!
A2: Some admin feel that staff is already so overworked with new reading and math curriculum adoptions that implementing NGSS would overburden staff. NGSS is not high on the priority. #ngsschat
I think two approaches
1, Help admins understand how important science is to students futures and society overall
2. Help admins understand how science supports math and ELA
#NGSSchat
A2: some times teachers with low self efficacy to understand NGSS is the problem. Some look at the standards and like our students complain to avoid the work.#NGSSchat
A1: Time for training (conferences, roll outs, etc), time for collaboration amongst colleagues, materials and equipment, understanding that an NGSS classroom is not quiet. Admin need to go through training WITH teachers to fully understand the shifts and 3D instruction #ngsschat
Collaboration. Spending time brainstorming storyline progression and engineering design challenges. Support for last-minute "we have to try this!" supplies when inspiration strikes. #NGSSchat
#ngsschat A2 another resource for Admin and the NGSS - NEW TOOL: What school building administrators should know about the new vision for K-12 science education
https://t.co/fWJ1f6fBRP
One way is to make some carefully planned lessons - oriented toward gathering student data collaboratively in live time - public. Teaching publicly with a research goal that breathes life to the #NGSS can build shared understanding. #NGSSChat
I had a principal who trusted the outside the box thinking & style She gave me the reins & encouraged me to push farther Her faith in #NGSS & my spin on how to teach it still impacts my classroom today #ngsschat@MdkKelly
A2: They need time also- when they do come to PD and try to participate in learning about NGSS- they are usually pulled out or sidetracked by school site issues #ngsschat
A2 The battle for instructional time is particularly intense in the elementary grades. #DUH That said, people have found the following @STEMTeachTools useful to start to open up the conversation. #NGSSchathttps://t.co/2AoHHVx0tk
This is so important for any feedback situation-- it was so great to have another set of eyes in my classroom to look for certain aspects of #NGSS I would love evidence about-- discourse, practices engagement, etc.. #NGSSchat
A2: Lack of experience and knowledge- once they see it in action, and see that by focusing on science, you can enrich and support ELA and math, they’re sold. Most of our new partners come from word of mouth. Strengthening PLNs and connecting systems would help. #ngsschat
A1: Admin needs to know that students, as scientists, are building understanding. There will be confusion, there will be frustration, and their will be arguing. It will NOT be quiet. #ngsschat
All it takes is a few teachers to start teaching science and they will begin to see the engagement and enthusiasm and excitement of their students to do science and that causes other teachers to ASK "How can I do that in my classroom??" #NGSSChat
A3: This idea of equitable access is key. There are so many forces working against different groups of kids in area of science. We have to show them ALL that they'er ALL welcome to the table in sci. #ngsschat
A2 admin don’t always know what to look for when they visit science classrooms or see lesson plans. Show them explicit connections between district-required observation & evaluation tools, & what they should see in an NGSS classroom (ex. Danielson crosswalk) #ngsschat
A2. One piece is transitioning to understand new "look fors" in instruction and assessment. All leaders want to help; need to know how they can help teachers see what is working and what isn't! #NGSSchat
A3 Listen to each other! We are coming at #NGSS from different lenses that have important viewpoints to consider When we listen to each other we will improve the classroom, TOGETHER! #ngsschat
A3. I think it all starts with PD. Teachers and admins need to make an effort and encourage one another to train and get as much help as possible to stay the implementation process. #NGSSChat
A3: Every kid, regarless of grade level, readiness, or background knowledge should have access to quality science experiences. We have to show all kids that nature is full of universal mystery that we all deserve to ponder. #ngsschat
A2 What would admin find compelling about #SciEd? Is it that the natural world is compelling to learners? Is it that understanding science is arguably crucial to mitigating the damaging effects of global climate change? Is it that THEY find the natural world compelling? #NGSSChat
We haven't had to do a lot of convincing in our region; all familiar with the Framework see its merits and believe in it. Challenge is helping leaders determine how they can best help! #NGSSchat
So true- there is so much pressure for getting in enough ELA and Math Minutes. Helping admin see that there can be an integrated approach to teaching all of these subjects is important! #ngsschat
A3: NGSS needs to be implemented with fidelity in each classroom at each grade level, not just a few. Also, science needs to be priority core subject, not a time for pull out or intervention. #ngsschat
Q3: we must soldier on and persevere. My admin is seeing and recognizing a difference in success rates of students more vested in their own learning. Slow and steady wins... #NGSSchat
A2: So much many subject standards to cover especially in elementary. We need to make science core so ALL student are receiving quality science education. Integration with other subject areas is the way to go! #ngsschat
I think talking to Ss and walking the school lets you know immediately whether all Ss are getting the chance to do science. First step is knowing the reality. Then find resources that can meet the new shifts. Must be a school wide initiative. #ngsschat
A3. One idea is to track the differences between “paper time” and real time. How often are Ss getting the opportunity to learn that our school schedule says they should? #NGSSChat
A3: Access Not saying or believing "These kids can't do this" or "I can only do this with my period #" Allowing Ss to be challenged, fail, and not be tracked. #ngsschat
A3: Equitable access also includes modeling for young learners that while you may not all grow up to be scientists you ALL have skills and knowledge you can bring to the table. Eliciting student thinking helps make science equitable. #ngsschat
A3: Build science & lab time into every student's schedule. The #NGSS 3 dimensional framework works for all students! Check out the March 2018 NSTA Reports article "Helping Special Needs Students Succeed in STEM." My special needs students LOVE science! #NGSSchat
A3 Last year our Admin gave all the bio teachers common planning it was wonderful, it would have been better if they would have joined us to learn what NGSS is all about & work together #NGSSchat
A3: Develop and schoolwide (or district wide) vision for science instruction. Make sure that ALL students are getting science instruction- not being pulled out for ELD/SPED/Specialists, etc. #ngsschat
A3: I think finding local, authentic, engaging phenomena is a great starting point for equity, then supporting the deep dive into it (with funding, resources, guest speakers, etc). Vertical articulation is necessary for Ts to see what is happening b4 & after. #NGSSchat
A3 You are right...we also have been working/checking to make sure kids are not "pulled out" of science for other supports...science is such an excellent context for language and literacy for ALL #ngsschat
All it takes is a few teachers to start teaching science and they will begin to see the engagement and enthusiasm and excitement of their students to do science and that causes other teachers to ASK "How can I do that in my classroom??" #NGSSChat
A3: I also think making space in your district for K-12 articulation conversations among Ts is critical. We need to make sure K-5, 6-8, 9-12 all have each other's back. #sameteam#ngsschat
Site admin at elementary are stuck in departmentalized teaching as required by curriculum adopted during #NCLB, not recognizing #CommonCore and #NGSS allow for so much more #integration. #ngsschat
A3 Yes. Slow & steady wins the race. One of the big insights from the 90s standards reform was to engage in slow, incremental improvements around high-leverage practices. Do NOT try to align-to-standards quickly. There is no time to do anything meaningful for learners. #NGSSChat
A2. One piece is transitioning to understand new "look fors" in instruction and assessment. All leaders want to help; need to know how they can help teachers see what is working and what isn't! #NGSSchat
A3 Stop getting in the way of kids! They need some structure and support, and a lot of "I believe in you", even the kids you think can't do it. They will all blow you away. #NGSSchat
It takes time...the only ways to teach #NGSS incorrectly is 1) not teach it 2) rush how you teach NGSS You have to be patient w/your growth & understanding as a T #ngsschat
In reply to
@LGates_science, @BiologyBlake, @SusanGomezZwiep
A3: We need to seize cross-curricular opportunities. Non-fiction in ELA, authentic application of mathematics when we gather and analyze data, current events, and more. #NGSSchat
A2: So much many subject standards to cover especially in elementary. We need to make science core so ALL student are receiving quality science education. Integration with other subject areas is the way to go! #ngsschat
A3 This is true, you have to start by changing a lesson or a unit and you will see by the change in the level of Ss engagement that changing the pedagogy is well worth the effort. #NGSSchat
In reply to
@LGates_science, @BiologyBlake, @SusanGomezZwiep
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#NGSSchat
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Q4 #NGSS classrooms often look and feel different than those of the past, how can teachers and admin work together to support the necessary instructional shifts, support students experiencing the shifts, and help parents understand the shifts? #NGSSchat
Yes- this is how we started. We had a K-12 team in my district and we had some great discussions about how NGSS will look at each grade level. #ngsschat
A3: admin and teachers need to make their beliefs regarding the nature of science explicit and have a discussion regarding the goals of science education #NGSSChat
A3a Admins also need to encourage SciTs to go out & hear what other teachers are doing in their #NGSS classroom There are so many great regional & national confs (@NSTA) to gather more information #ngsschat
A3: I think it’s important for local Ed systems to define what equitable means in local context (goals, demos, power dynamics) and co-develop a foundational set of strategies for disrupting oppression across subjects, across K-12. #NGSS needs healthy ground to flourish #ngsschat
I agree about coherence being key. In our efforts we have trained ourselves to always say that our effort should focus on "coherence and equity." Often different issues surface that need to be attended to when we center the work on both concepts. #equityfirst#NGSSchat
In reply to
@LakesideNGSS, @LGates_science, @BiologyBlake, @SusanGomezZwiep
Il developed a NGSS admin academy as every admin is required to do at least one per/year. Since our state exam will count toward ESSA soon we are hoping more will come. #NGSSchat
A4 video helps! Watch and reflect together. @TeachingChannel has a lot of NGSS-classroom examples for K-12 for how science might look/feel different. #ngsschat
A4: The first real key is to first understand what science really is. It is BOTH a set of understandings about the world AND a process for figuring out the way things work in the world. #ngsschat
Q4 #NGSS classrooms often look and feel different than those of the past, how can teachers and admin work together to support the necessary instructional shifts, support students experiencing the shifts, and help parents understand the shifts? #NGSSchat
A3: Admin need to give teachers the flexibility once again to teach the children in the room, not the curriculum in the book—try things out, fail, try again. #eduneering#ngsschat
A3: for example, it is important for all teachers, staff, and admins to interrogate and interrupt their assumptions about multilingual/immigrant students and families. Without that baseline, equitable implementation of #NGSS is fragile #ngsschat
A4 Outside of the teacher evaluation process watch a sci class Don't take notes, just watch the Ss & see how changes are having a positive affect on children #ngsschat
A4: We had a parent engagement night where parents got to experience an NGSS inspired lesson. I handed out the “You will see less of this... and more of this... “ at parent teacher conference time. #NGSSChat
A4: Invite admin and other Ts into classroom to see it in action.With Students we talk a lot about growth mindset and what it looks like to be a scientist and engineer. Talk to parents at BTSN and let them see their students' work in digital portfolios or social media #NGSSchat
Q4 #NGSS classrooms often look and feel different than those of the past, how can teachers and admin work together to support the necessary instructional shifts, support students experiencing the shifts, and help parents understand the shifts? #NGSSchat
A4 Parents are our biggest advocates!! We had teachers (and students) present what they are doing in science each school site's PTC meetings - I know these are small groups of parents but they are the most involved AND the most vocal!! Get them on board!! #NGSSChat
A4 The NRC Framework describes the central role of focusing #SciEd on community interests & goals—and not just career pathways. We need to center #SciEd on the interests & futures of communities—and help admin understand the importance of that shift. #NGSSChat
A3: Admin need to give teachers the flexibility once again to teach the children in the room, not the curriculum in the book—try things out, fail, try again. #eduneering#ngsschat
Absolutely! As you pointed out earlier, the work is never done. If you get complacent in your critical consciousness, you may be at risk of marginalizing other groups of students and families #NGSSchat
Awareness & willingness to jump on opportunities for integration are so important! My 2nd graders surprised me with background knowledge picked up during Smarty Ants non-fiction reading. My 3-5 co-teachers are finding science connections in Achieve 3000 readings, too. #NGSSchat
Site admin at elementary are stuck in departmentalized teaching as required by curriculum adopted during #NCLB, not recognizing #CommonCore and #NGSS allow for so much more #integration. #ngsschat
...a practice or ccc. How does that idea manifest in our curriculum materials? Where do they fall short? What more do we need to learn to be sure? What will this look like in instruction? How do we expect the Ss will react? (Then teach it, gather...#NGSSChat
A4 Science should be a part of every OPEN HOUSE, SPRING CARNIVAL, BACK-to-SCHOOL NIGHT!! Students should be showing off all of their science knowledge to their parents at every opportunity! When kids are happy, parents are happy!! #NGSSchat
A3: One key component of ensuring equitable #NGSS access for all students is to make sure science isn't cut from early grades in order to focus on literacy and math only. Science is where these skills are authentically put to use! #NGSSChat
A2 I don't think the admins have been exposed to the NGSS. Starting with a phenomenon incorporating the three dimensions. Engaging our students to to figuring the why's instead of being told them. #NGSSchat
A3: Teachers and Admin need not only listen to community members (parents, business, etc.) but also leverage the expertise of the community. T's and Admin can also help guide those experts to understand that students can do more than just listen and observe! #NGSSchat
A4 in curriculum-related PL last year, we had our teachers role-play and rehearse having conversations with parents, students, admin, and other teachers about the shifts of the new standards #ngsschat
A4 In my experience in lower elem parents have been nothing but excited about the shift! They see their young children actually doing science and they are so impressed with the thinking and learning they are able to do. #ngsschat
A4: Curriculum resources are critical as a starting point, paired w ongoing PD and materials. If quality #ngss instruction is happening, it should be visible through school open houses, parent newsletters, blogs, etc. Then Ps might be more comfortable w no textbook. #ngsschat
Q4 #NGSS classrooms often look and feel different than those of the past, how can teachers and admin work together to support the necessary instructional shifts, support students experiencing the shifts, and help parents understand the shifts? #NGSSchat
#NGSSChat In our area we have had workshops for admins to help them understand the standards, immerse them in an activity and discuss how classroom instruction will be different.
A3: Teachers and Admin need not only listen to community members (parents, business, etc.) but also leverage the expertise of the community. T's and Admin can also help guide those experts to understand that students can do more than just listen and observe! #NGSSchat
A4 A core team of teacher leaders worked on our district's CORE MESSAGING around NGSS - what is NGSS and why it's important. It is shared everywhere possible! #NGSSChat
Welp, #ngsschat I gotta jet. Dad duties call. Thanks for a great few minutes. You're all amazing. Keep fightin' the good fight. Oh, and don't forget to follow someone new and grow that PLN!
I agree. I wish we had a scale for “tweak size”. What about an instructional task is core? What can be contextualized? What counts as a tweak or an overhaul? And how would we develop shared understanding about it? #NGSSChat
A4: Being deliberate and transparent with communicating what NGSS learning will be. Present at BTSN, show pictures, videos. Present at STEM nights, board meetings. Share on district website, social media. Parents want to know the amazing learning their kids are doing. #ngsschat
A4: I’ve given all Ss, Ps, and admins the NGSS cheat sheet 1 pager that breaks everything down. I’ve also shifted to standards-based grading to help Ss understand what they are literally doing and how I am evaluating their progress. #NGSSchat
A4 The instruction shifts need to come from a cultural shift. Classrooms need to become #culturesofthinking so that kids can flourish in all areas. #ngsschat
Some people believe science education is education in science, while others believe science education is education about science, it’s a small distinction but one that carries major instruction implications! Teachers and admin need to be on the same page! #ngsschat
A4: we will be holding a family science night this spring to take families through NGSS learning experiences AND communicate the shifts in instruction #NGSSchat
We held a combined Book Fair/STEM Fair evening to support each other's endeavors.
Lots of happy students and parents dashing back and forth between activities. #NGSSchat
A4 Science should be a part of every OPEN HOUSE, SPRING CARNIVAL, BACK-to-SCHOOL NIGHT!! Students should be showing off all of their science knowledge to their parents at every opportunity! When kids are happy, parents are happy!! #NGSSchat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
I went gradeless this year and was immediately faced with the Q: what is important enough to report. Have struggled with how to monitor and report progress on SEPs when progress seems so incremental. #ngsschat
A4 Science should be a part of every OPEN HOUSE, SPRING CARNIVAL, BACK-to-SCHOOL NIGHT!! Students should be showing off all of their science knowledge to their parents at every opportunity! When kids are happy, parents are happy!! #NGSSchat
Some people believe science education is education in science, while others believe science education is education about science, it’s a small distinction but one that carries major instruction implications! Teachers and admin need to be on the same page! #ngsschat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
A3: One key component of ensuring equitable #NGSS access for all students is to make sure science isn't cut from early grades in order to focus on literacy and math only. Science is where these skills are authentically put to use! #NGSSChat
#NGSSChat A4 We'd love to have district or site admin simply attend/participate our Saturday #NGSS leadership team meetings, but so far no success! Any ideas for how to encourage this?
A4 The instruction shifts need to come from a cultural shift. Classrooms need to become #culturesofthinking so that kids can flourish in all areas. #ngsschat
A4 A core team of teacher leaders worked on our district's CORE MESSAGING around NGSS - what is NGSS and why it's important. It is shared everywhere possible! #NGSSChat
One big concern I have is hearing about districts that are "NGSS-ing" one unit at a time. #NGSS is a too important a paradigm shift to approach tentatively. #NGSSchat
Ok, while chocolate helps, its not the real "secret sauce"
The key in my experience is similar to the key for classroom teachers: witnessing (or better yet, experiencing as a student) a lesson that is really 3D
(But I still like chocolate a lot!)
#NGSSchat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
A4: When I was a coach (before I was an #EinsteinFellow17) district admin gave me time to teach a lesson to 20+ principals, coordinators, directors, & superintendents. Unfortunately, it was only 30 minutes. #engage#not5E#NGSSchat
A5 Show them how students deeply sink in & engage in meaningful sensemaking & learning when it matters out in the world (i.e., when tudents are engaged in #SciEd for a real purpose that matters). #NGSSChat
A5: Seeing other schools and districts doing amazing things with ngss and thinking...hmm...I want to do that, too! Critical mass helps, so please keep sharing your successes far and wide! #ngsschat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
A5: Truthfully, the end of year science test in California, and that it incorporates 6-8 content was the driving force for many admin making science a priority in the schedule. Whatever works... #ngsschat
A5 Increased student engagement from instilling a #QuestionEverything approach in class The more questions Ts ask, & the fewer we answer, put the discovery in Ss minds Questions create thinking #ngsschat
A5 the secret sauce we noticed in @EarlyImplement is it takes a TEAM - bottom up movement from teachers and top down support from all levels of admin #NGSSchat
A5: When my admin saw how engaged Ss were and how excited they were to go science lab, it was a no brainer. She and I decided that Science would be a core subject the following year for upper grades & we had plans to continue down to the lower grades the following years #ngsschat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
A5 we had all principals observe teachers that had created science lessons through the TLC process. Principals used an observation tool to look for shifts. It was the most powerful thing we've done to help our admin identify their gaps in NGSS knowledge #NGSSChat
I will push back on this a little. I would much rather see folks attacking things seriously one piece at a time than doing a small change to everything to be able to "check off" implementation.
Also, sometimes change can seem so overwhelming that people don't try.
#NGSSchat
A5 @JennySarna used the new #fivetools “Model A” (will be online soon!) to support admins in Chicago. We heard it went great! It’s a little science immersion, connecting to math/ELA, some video, some reading, analyzing a classroom scenario, and making an action plan! #ngsschat
A4: Designing learning environments where teachers, staff, & admins get to learn about the natural world much in the same way we’re hoping studies and families will. The work @eveimanz & I did with 2nd grade teachers highlights importance of those learning experiences. #NGSSChat
Q4 #NGSS classrooms often look and feel different than those of the past, how can teachers and admin work together to support the necessary instructional shifts, support students experiencing the shifts, and help parents understand the shifts? #NGSSchat
A5 Realizing that change is here, now, and that #NGSS will help our students develop essential skills to succeed in life. #NGSS emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, supporting claims with evidence (real evidence!), and lots and lots of questioning. #NGSSchat
Q5 What was the “secret sauce” that helped admin you work with recognize they needed to get behind #NGSS? What training or interactions helped them to see the importance of NGSS and/or understand NGSS in a way that compelled them to take action? #NGSSchat
such a good point - our teachers have found it's better to manage small changes first, they learn a lot from those and are ready to bite off the next chunk #NGSSchat
A5 Agreed. experiencing the shifts goes a long way toward helping w/ actually understanding how the learning is different. Sometimes admin gets stuck in the idea that "hands on" is equivalent to effective instruction. Discourse, figuring out, and SEPs help to change #ngsschat
A4 A core team of teacher leaders worked on our district's CORE MESSAGING around NGSS - what is NGSS and why it's important. It is shared everywhere possible! #NGSSChat
A3: Admins valuing science education and ensuring that it is built into the schedule is invaluable. Also providing resources and opportunity for teachers to receive PD is powerful and ensures continuous professional development. #NGSSChat
A5 Increased student engagement from instilling a #QuestionEverything approach in class The more questions Ts ask, & the fewer we answer, put the discovery in Ss minds Questions create thinking #ngsschat
That is GREAT to hear! There is certainly a resonance across standards in that way—and with the AP redesigns as well. Knowledge-in-use demands a deeper focus on sensemaking. #NGSSChat
Q6 What other implementation supports, communication, and advocacy is needed by admin? How can all of us in the #NGSS community support admin in being meaningfully involved these? #NGSSchat
Yes, the word got out at my school (and district) that I was doing this and there was a lot of interest. I offered lots of PD and an open door to my classroom (and there are some videos out there) #ngsschat
A5part2: Other admin have seen the engagement, excitement, enthusiasm, and great learning that NGSS instills and want that for their students. They then share and promote, other admin want in on the action. #ngsschat
A4: we like to think of Ts & Admins as “master learners,” so we need to design PD that is immersive & meaningful. It’s hard to understand the value of the instructional shift, & what it takes, without experiencing. Especially important for elem Ts who may fear science #NGSSChat
A6 Effective PD is a key element I would argue that in house PD where peers have a relationship would make the learning curve lessen & increase quality 3D instruction #ngsschat
A6: revisiting how Ss LEARN and how directly aligned NGSS instruction is with #deeperlearning outcomes - times for talking and thinking about this with all teachers in the building #ngsschat
A6. I want to hear from administrators. We need to build a safe space for them to talk with us. As others here have pointed out, they can be vulnerable, too. #NGSSChat
A6 Important #SciEd learning happens out IN THE WORLD—and not in the classroom. For equity reasons, we need to make that a realistic possibility for all students. They need to engage phenomena directly. #NGSSChathttps://t.co/mMZ2kUygUj
Sad but true, that is the only way I got that common planning time last year was bc we did free storyline from https://t.co/7nGbRVc4vh & ISTA.
#NGSSchat
A4: so, we need to be patient and supportive and caring (as @stinarae2 would say) with Ts & Admins as they understand and develop this significant instructional shift. There’s a lot at stake & we need to remember how deep learning requires vulnerability and care. #NGSSchat
Thank you #NGSSchat for all of the great sharing tonight-- here is an evolving list of the resources shared Topic: It Takes a Team - Teachers and Admin in an NGSS world
A6: It’s imperative to get into the classrooms, observe, and talk to Ss and Ts to see what’s happening and what’s needed. We work w our partner admin to coordinate walkthroughs to support these conversations- if requested, providing look-fors and modeling feedback. #ngsschat
Q6 What other implementation supports, communication, and advocacy is needed by admin? How can all of us in the #NGSS community support admin in being meaningfully involved these? #NGSSchat
A6: Admin need to be given workable budgets that allow for materials, equipment and training. Admin need to advocate for their schools and teachers when it comes to budgets and the LCAP. #ngsschat
A4 We held a Family Science and Engineering night at all of our K-8 schools to spread the word to our families that we have new standards .Families struggled and persevered working as a team with their children through the stations. They left excited about science!#ngsschat
A6 don’t stop pushing for equity and access in science - science at the elementary level is what makes students what to become better readers, writers and mathematicians! #NGSSChat
Q6 What other implementation supports, communication, and advocacy is needed by admin? How can all of us in the #NGSS community support admin in being meaningfully involved these? #NGSSchat
A4: Too often we think about Ts & Admins from a deficit perspective, what they don't know. "Master learners" focuses on what Ts & Admin bring to the table and what we can build on #NGSSchat
A5: #NGSS shifts are tricky and include teachers and admin advocating to all stakeholders the differences in NGSS compared to the old standards: phenomena, sense making notebooks, 3D Learning, inquiry based. #NGSSChat
A6 Deep understanding takes instructional time. We need to ALL advocate for real instructional minutes for #SciEd in elementary school. Kent School District here in WA recently mandated 200 minutes of science / week without any pull-outs involved. #progress#NGSSchat
I would love to know of some admins who are highly supportive of NGSS Implementation even though they are not specifically focused on science (in other words, folks who aren't just science specialists) Please share with me. Thanks. #NGSSchat
A4: this is such an important question! And I’d bet a small fortune that the first shift and next steps will totally depend on the local context. Could there be a “choose your own adventure” approach to mapping out these steps/shifts? #NGSSChat
This is so important. I also think that districts and counties should offer a NGSS Academy for Administrators- maybe a monthly or weekly time set aside for PD or visiting science classrooms. #ngsschat
A6: #NGSS community can support admin by shifting their understanding of what "mastering" standards looks, and doesn't look, like - ours are obsessed with Ss producing "correct" answers #ngsschat
