August First Tuesday Science Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/06/2019 01:53 PM EDT

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August 6, 2019

K-12 Science

K-12 STANDARDS, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Bostich Creativity in the Classroom Grant

This is an opportunity for K-12 Science teachers to win a $250.00 grant for your classroom. All that is required is for you to upload and share a creative lesson plan. Details to register can be found within the registration link below.

Registration for the Bostich Creativity in the Classroom Grant

2019 Bridging the Gap Conference

Bridging the Gap is an annual conference whose goal is to strengthen K-16 STEM education throughout North Carolina.

It brings together educators, business leaders, government officials and others who play a role in STEM education to share ideas and resources.

The conference is organized by the North Carolina Association for Biomedical Research.

Register to Attend the 2019 Bridging the Gap Conference

North Carolina Science Teachers Association Conference

The 2019 NCSTA Professional Development Institute will be held on November 14-15. The location will be in Winston Salem at the Benton Convention Center. Be sure to register early to secure a spot at this year's conference!

Registration for the 2019 NCSTA PDI

NC Check Ins Science Grades 5 and 8

As you are aware Check Ins for grades 5 and 8 Science have been created and ready for the 2019-2020 school year. The DPI Accountability and Services Division has created a PDF titled "Test Specifications for Science Grades 5 and 8" to help guide you along this process. If you have any questions please direct them to Chip Sheffield.

NC Check Ins Test Specifications for Science Grades 5 and 8

New Public Schools of North Carolina Website Coming Soon...

The current Public Schools of North Carolina website will become a new and improved website in the months to come. Please stay updated either by the K-12 Science Google Site or sign up for our List Serve to find out when the new website will be available.

STEM Updates and Recognition Information

There have been many positive changes happening over the past year with regard to the STEM Schools of Distinction recognition program. One of which is the release of a revised STEM School Progress Rubric and a revamped application process, both of which should be made available statewide in the coming weeks.

The new STEM Schools Progress Rubric is an improvement over the former Attributes Implementation Rubric. In the past, schools and programs were evaluated on 11 Attributes that sub-divided into 4-5 Key Elements each. This presented an overall 50+ item rubric for schools to examine, practice, and demonstrate through narratives and artifacts.

Beginning the 2019-2020 school year, the former Attribute Implementation Rubric will be replaced by the STEM Schools Progress Rubric. This streamlined tool will allow schools to grow and improve their STEM instruction through 5 Overarching Principles that further disseminate into 20 Key Elements (22 for high school). Within this spectrum of items, schools will have a powerful tool for school improvement and self-assessment of their STEM practices.

NCDPI is in the process of a website conversion. It is anticipated that the new site will be live in the next few weeks. Once it is accessible, you should easily be able to find the STEM Schools Progress Rubric as well as detailed information for all schools (whether interested in exploring the recognition process for the first time or for schools seeking to extend prior recognitions).

Be sure to stay subscribed to the STEMtastic News newsletter for announcements about upcoming Webinars being hosted this Fall. These virtual PDs will support schools exploring the STEM rubric for the first time as well as schools seeking recognition.