December First Tuesday Science Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 12/01/2020 07:46 AM EST

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Tuesday, December 1, 2020

K-12 Science

K-12 STANDARDS, CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education Webinar Series 2020-2021

This four part webinar series will highlight equity issues that relate to students’ educational experiences and learning outcomes in science. Using the National Research Council’s (NRC) publication, A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas, we will explore concepts identified in the chapter on Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education. Over the course of the series, we address equity in terms of translating standards into curricular and instructional materials and assessment.

In preparation, download the Framework to preview Chapter Eleven: Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education at https://www.nap.edu/catalog/13165/a-framework-for-k-12-science-education-practices-crosscutting-concepts.

Target Audience: Individuals seeking to gain an awareness of diverse and equitable practices within K-12 science education.

Webinar Dates and Registration (*Note: All Webinars are scheduled from 3:30-4:30pm EST):

Overview: Addressing Equity in Science Learning (Wednesday, November 18, 2020)
Addressing Diversity in the Science Classroom (Wednesday, January 27, 2021) - Registration Link
Equity, Science, and Special Education (Wednesday, March 10, 2021) - Registration Link
Valuing Multiple Modes of Expression (Wednesday, April 21, 2021) - Registration Link

Link to recorded webinars, handouts, and presentation slides 2020-2021 Equity and Diversity in Science and Engineering Education Webinar Series

Using the Think, Pair, Share Strategy in the Formative Assessment Process

NC Students in a Digital Learning Environment

In October we surveyed teachers to find out more about how they are using formative assessment to support student science learning. Some of the questions we asked included what strategies were used, why they were chosen, how they were implemented, what was the impact on diverse learners, and how did teachers determine effectiveness. We had 261 responses from across the state.

One widely used formative assessment strategy was Think Pair Share. Most respondents believed this strategy was easy to use in both the classroom and virtual environments. This strategy fosters collaboration among students as they discuss content. Many teachers facilitated the Think, Pair, Share through break out rooms using a variety of digital tools including Google Meet, Zoom, Flip Grid, and Jamboard. For students with various learning needs the activity can be structured and modified to meet those needs. Overall, the Think, Pair, Share strategy is an effective way to incorporate formative assessment into teaching and learning.

For more information on Think, Pair, Share view the following videos:

How to do a Think Pair Share

Online Teaching Adaptation of a Think Pair Share

Social and Emotional Learning for K-12 Science Educators

The K-12 NCDPI Science section has developed a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) resource page for stakeholders who wish to understand more about implementing SEL in the K-12 Science Classroom. Sample lessons/units reflecting the SEL competencies are available as well. You can find these resources in the "Further Resources" page within the K-12 Science Google Site.

The team at the Friday Institute, along with a group of experts, researchers, and practitioners, developed a free online course with the goal of helping stakeholders build their own foundational understanding of how social and emotional learning (SEL) skills are essential to, and inseparable from, student learning. In doing so, stakeholders will build their own SEL skills, see examples of how others are teaching these skills, learn strategies to apply to the classroom, and share ideas with colleagues in their school, community, and around the globe. The course is designed to work in multiple ways: it complements existing district- and school-wide programs but can also be used in the absence of these programs to support educators in weaving SEL both explicitly and implicitly throughout academic instruction and the school day. The course is free for everyone and is intended to support self-directed adult learning. A certificate of completion is awarded following the completion of the course.

For more information and registration click on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for Educators.

North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators Conference

The North Carolina Association of Elementary Educators (NCAEE) invites you to attend the "Change, Challenge, Opportunity" Conference on January 30, 2021. We have heard the need for FREE, quality professional development and we are here to help! Join us from the comfort of your own home! Our conference will be completely virtual! We hope to see you there!

Date: Saturday, January 30, 2021

Time: 8:45am-12:00pm

The following links will have more information:

Itinerary

Registration