passport to science msp science program indianapolis public schools
TRANSCRIPT
Passport to Science
MSP Science Program
Indianapolis Public Schools
Passport To Science
2004-5 ISTEP+ Gr. 5 Science
Indiana Ave. – 54%
IPS Grant Schools Average Mastery Scores in Science
2003-4 ISTEP+ Grade 5 – 20%
2004-5 ISTEP+ Grade 5 - 22%
Passport to Science
Areas of Concern Determined to have High Impact
- Prior professional development had been fragmented, based on introducing strategies. Data determined PD need for science content and strategies.
- Time for science instruction was limited due to priority of language arts and math.
- Little building level planning was done for science.
Passport to Science
What behaviors represent the desired change?
Teacher professional growth
- teachers can recognize quality science
- teacher content knowledge has improved
- teacher implementation of research-based
science strategies has increased.
Passport to Science
What behaviors represent the desired change?
More minutes each week are spent in science instruction.
School plans are in place for ongoing science improvement.
Recognizing Quality Science:
Program Elements
Year round professional development program.
1. Summer Immersion Week
in Investigative Science
Modeled everything a teacher would do in
class during a week of science.
2. Summer Content Week
Demystifying Science Content
Recognizing Quality Science: Program Elements
Model Science Lessons Developed
- Semi-scripted lessons modeling research-based science instruction were made available to teachers.
- Investigation
- Structured Observation
- Concept development
Recognizing and Implementing Quality Science: Program Elements
Imbedded Professional Development
- Teachers met at school by grade level
for 1 ½ hr. with substitute support once a quarter.
- Quality instruction from summer was modeled, teachers discussed implementation of lessons, planned further instruction as a group.
Teacher Content Knowledge: Program Elements
Content focus in Workshop.
Background content provided at each imbedded session.
Access to science staff/university for content questions.
Minutes of Science Instruction
School and District administrators agreed to participate.
Model lessons were designed to be implemented in 40 min. segments three sessions per week.
Teacher Instructional Improvement
Anecdotal information after each professional development session
- Daily reflections each day of workshop - Daily reflection each day of imbedded PD.
Use of Evaluation Tool RTOP (Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol) – observations, interview with teachers and students.
Passport to Science
Changes in Student Performance: 2005- 2008
10 IPS Elementary Schools - 3 Primary Grant Schools – 20-35% improvement in mastery - 7 schools – 10-25% improvement in mastery
Passport to Science
Changes in Teacher Content Understanding and Performance
2005-2008
- Content understanding improved 50% in areas assessed by pre and post assessments.
- Implementation of quality science improved on 16 of 21 parameters.
Lessons Learned
Implement strategies that align with the school district culture.
Repeat a few critical strategies at every opportunity.
Assure that strategies are embedded in work teachers are engaged in daily.
Passport to Science
For Further Information contact:
Susan Becker
Administrator for Science Education
Indianapolis Pubic Schools
Phone: 317 226-3527
E-mail: [email protected]
The instructional practices and assessments discussed or shown in this presentation are not intended as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education.