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Oregon Science Educator Update February 5, 2025
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February 2025
Black History Month is a celebration of Black/African Americans' brilliance and contributions to history, culture, and society in the United States. Below are some resources as you continue to engage diverse voices, contributions, and perspectives in science education this month and beyond:
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Congratulations!
Please join me in congratulating Stacey Zaback of Kings Valley Charter School, the Oregon Awardee of the 2023 PAEMST recognition for 7-12 science education.
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is a congressional program of highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching.
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Assessment Updates
OSAS Science Summative Assessment test window for Spring 2025
Students are required to take the Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) Science Test in Grades 5, 8, and 11. Schools will select testing dates between March – June (Grades 5 and 8) and February – June (Grade 11th). OSAS Science Assessment test window for High School is now open.
The OSAS Science Test is aligned to Oregon Science Standards. Students will encounter a mix of test items, including multiple choice, multiple select, simulations and more. To help them get familiarized with the various question types and interaction that they may encounter during the test, ODE publicly releases and offers Sample Tests for practice. Additionally, Sample Tests offer an excellent opportunity for students to explore and understand the accessibility features available within the test environment. For more information about these accessibility features, please refer to the Oregon Accessibility Manual. Lastly, resources, such as scavenger hunts, are available to help students practice identifying where and how these features are located as they engage with the Sample Tests. These resources can be found on the Science Assessment page under OSAS Science Test Resources.
Summer 2025 OSAS Science Assessment Review Panels
Exciting opportunities for Oregon educators to participate in OSAS Science Assessment Review Panels are coming up! The Rubric Validation, Content and Fairness, and Data Review panels will take place in late May, early July, and late August. Specific dates will be announced soon. If you are interested in participating, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Please contact Dr. Mariela Salas Bao, Science Assessment Specialist, with questions or support needs.
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ODE Science Ignite Sessions
Looking for resources or ways to elevate your science teaching and learning strategies but short on time? Join ODE Science Education Specialist, Jamie Rumage, and Science Assessment Specialist, Dr. Mariela Salas Bao, for dynamic 30-minute sessions packed with practical insights and innovative approaches to science teaching and learning.
These brief sessions will take place on the first Wednesday of each month from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Register here, and don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions, connect with fellow educators, and enhance your science classroom experience!
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National Youth Science Academy
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is an all-expenses-paid residential honors program for two high school students from each state, Washington, DC, and participating international countries. The National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1983 to provide STEM-focused programs for students from all across the country and around the world.
Hosted in Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia since 1963, the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a residential science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) program designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising leaders and provide them with opportunities to engage with STEAM professionals and participate in exciting outdoor activities. The science camp runs from June 29 - July 20, 2025. Typically, two delegates are selected to attend camp from each state and the District of Columbia. Oregon is actively seeking delegates to represent our state; encourage your students to apply today!
"I arrived back home from camp about a week ago, and it was the most transformative experience of my life. From listening to informative lectures, trying new activities every day, and meeting the most incredible people from all over the US and Latin/South America, the experience was amazing and I carry so many new memories and passions with me that I’ll never forget. Thank you once again for allowing me to have this opportunity!" ~ 2024 Oregon High School Participant
The deadline for eligible high school students to apply is February 28th, 2025. For more information about eligibility or to apply, please visit the NYSCamp website.
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Lab Safety Institute: Safer Science Summit
The Lab Safety Institute is hosting a free summit for Grade 6–12 educators on lab inspections and chemical management systems. The event will take place from August 4–8 at George Fox University.
For more information and to register, please click here.
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High School Science for All
The Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) and Greater Oregon STEM Hub (GO STEM) will be offering multiple professional learning opportunities for the High School Science for All "Patterns" Physics, Chemistry, and Biology courses.
Here is the link to the Patterns Course Guide for Semester 2. These Patterns PLCs, webinars, and workshops are free for any teacher to attend. Additionally, Oregon teachers receive $50/hour for participation, funded through a WRAP (Well Rounded Access Program) Grant.
These workshops provide the best opportunity to deeply engage with the Patterns curriculum. Please note that there is a registration fee for the weeklong summer workshops. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Susan Holveck.
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Sign Up for the ODE K-5 Newsletter
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment is launching a new quarterly newsletter for K-5 educators. This newsletter provides resources, opportunities, guidance, and ODE updates tailored specifically to support the integrated and well-rounded instruction that elementary education entails. It aims to streamline information related to K-5 academic standards and instruction into one convenient communication.
Please subscribe or share the link with K-5 teachers who might be interested.
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Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out:
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The materials contained in the Department of Education’s Oregon Science Educator Update are drawn from both internal and external sources and inclusion of external materials does not necessarily indicate Oregon Department of Education endorsement.
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