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Oregon Science Educator Update February 2026
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February 2026
Celebrating 100 years of Black History
In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson broadened public awareness of the impact of Black Americans on our nation's history. This year's Black History Month marks 100 years of national observances dedicated to observing the role of Black history in American history and honoring the achievements 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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Student Educational Equity Development Survey
The Student Educational Equity Development (SEED) Survey is offered annually to students in grades 3-11 across Oregon. These surveys are designed to gather information about the educational experiences of students. This information helps to provide a holistic picture of public education systems in Oregon. ODE uses the results of the SEED Survey to inform resource development for school districts. Here are two SEED Survey domain score reports for science, disaggregated by student groups in addition the full SEED Survey report:
The next Science Ignite Session, on Wednesday, March 4th from 4:00 PM PT, will focus on the SEED Survey and score reports.
Register here to join ODE's SEED Education Specialist, Dr. Audrey Lingley, and SEED Data Analyst, Kai Tyler, along with Science Education Specialists, to explore how these resources continue to inform resource development for school districts.
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NSTA K-12 STEM & Science Trade Books Lists
Are you looking to integrate literacy and science? Check out the two book lists published annually by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA). The Best STEM Books and Outstanding Trade Books list emphasizes authentic issues that cross disciplinary boundaries.
The books that appear in these lists were selected as outstanding children's science trade books. They were chosen by a book review panel appointed by NSTA and assembled in cooperation with the Children's Book Council (CBC).
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Computer Science
CS and AI toward Justice, Sovereignty, and Equity Professional Development
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Expansive STEM Education is offering a free online professional development series for educators to explore Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science toward justice, sovereignty, and equity.
- This series is intended for educators beginning to explore how to make ethical decisions around AI in their classrooms and will consist of four online sessions Feb 18 - March 11 , 2026 (2/18, 2/25, 3/4/, 3/11) 4:30-6:30 pm Pacific Time. Please click here to register.
Improve Elementary Computer Science Education Survey
- Calling ALL Oregon elementary school teachers, principals, and district superintendents! Your feedback is crucial. Help shape the future of Computer Science Education in the Age of AI in our state by participating in an American Institute of Research survey. The survey will take about 15-minutes and you’ll win a free Hour of Code by BootUp PD and have a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card!
Take the survey now and make a difference:
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OSAS Science Assessments
OSAS Science Statewide Summative Test
- The statewide test window for administration of the OSAS in-person and remote Science Grade 11 test is now open.
- The statewide test window for administration of the OSAS in-person and remote Science test Grade 5 and 8 opens March 3, 2026.
- As a reminder, prior to beginning a test or survey session, verify that appropriate student accommodations and supports have been accurately set in TIDE. See the Oregon Accessibility Manual for more information about accommodations and supports.
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OSAS Sample tests for Science are now available for the 2025-2026 administration year. These sample tests provide an opportunity for Oregon teachers and students to familiarize themselves with the navigation and functionality of the online tests, as well as with the embedded accessibility supports described in the Oregon Accessibility Manual. Sample tests are not a comprehensive preview of all items or difficulty levels present in the summative test.
Science Interim Assessments
- The Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) science interim assessments are available and ready for classrooms.
- If you're new to interim assessments, start with this practice brief from STEMTeaching Tools which offers guidance on how to effectively integrate interim assessments into your instructional practice.
- To further support educators, ODE in collaboration with Southern Oregon ESD has developed a new on-demand course: Implementing the OSAS Interim Assessments - On-Demand Online Course, the course will equip participants with the tools to determine which specific interim assessments are best aligned to instructional opportunities for collecting evidence of learning and then modifying or scaffolding additional instruction.
- Did you know? OSAS interim assessments (cluster items only) can also be used to meet your district’s local performance assessment requirements. To support this work, ODE has created a concise two-page ODE Practice Brief provides educators and leaders with a student-centered approach to fulfilling these requirements, highlighting the benefits of performance-based assessments. For more details please visit the ODE Interim Assessment and the Local Performance Assessment Requirement webpages.
Please contact Dr. Mariela Salas Bao, Science Assessment Specialist, with questions or support needs.
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Save the Date: OSTA 64th Annual Conference
Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) is hosting its 64th Annual Conference: Interconnections - Integrating Land, Community, and Cultural Knowledge in Place-Based Science.
The conference will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Pendleton High School, in Pendleton, Oregon. OSTA is pleased to welcome keynote speaker Paul Anderson of Bozeman Science. Session proposals are now being accepted.
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Oases of Life: Seamounts and Deep-Sea Corals
Educators of grades 6-12 are invited to join OMSI and the NOAA Ocean Exploration team for a full-day, in-person professional development workshop. Together we will explore the geologic and physical processes associated with seamounts and the rich biological communities that inhabit them.
Join other educators on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm PT to investigate deep-sea phenomena using classroom resources. Educators that attend the full day, in-person workshop will receive a Certificate of Participation and a $100 stipend. Lunch, snacks, and access to the museum after the workshop will also be provided at no cost.
Please click here to learn more and register.
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Nominate the next Oregon Teacher of the Year
The Oregon Teacher of the Year program recognizes and honors teacher excellence, with the state Teacher of the Year serving as the face and voice of exemplary educators across the state.
Candidates for Oregon Teacher of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled licensed public school educators in grades preK-12.
Do you know a teacher who should be considered for this distinction? Nominate them now! Nominations are open statewide through 5:00 p.m. on February 11, 2026.
The Oregon Teacher of the Year will also submit an application to be considered for the honor of National Teacher of the Year.
If you have questions about the program, please Michelle Goodness.
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Participate in New National Study of K-12 STEM Education
Horizon Research, Inc. is conducting the 2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Education. Previous iterations of the survey have provided critical data about the STEM education system for the past 50 years. School recruitment is essential to the success of the study but has become very challenging, in part because a growing number of districts now require an internal sponsor or advocate before approving a research study. If you would be willing to be the sponsor/advocate in the event your district is sampled, please complete the form.
If you have any questions, contact Clara Lunden at nssme27@horizon-research.com
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If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to:
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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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