As the Assistant Principal of Science, I have designed and led a comprehensive series of professional development sessions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our science department. These sessions have addressed a wide range of instructional priorities, including:
Tier 1–3 Instructional Strategies: Focused on data-driven breakdowns and scaffolding to support all learners.
MAP Growth Analysis: Training teachers to interpret and act on MAP data to inform instruction and drive student achievement.
McDowell Protocol Initiatives: Implemented protocols for increasing student discourse, evidence-based writing, and deeper content engagement.
NGSS-Aligned Shifts: Provided extensive support in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology to align instruction with the new NYS Regents and curriculum expectations.
Cengage’s Biology Curriculum Rollout: Guided teachers in effective implementation, ensuring alignment with standards and promoting inquiry-based learning.
These initiatives reflect a commitment to instructional excellence, data-informed practice, and the successful transition to New York’s new science standards and assessments.
Teachers noted the topics they would like to explore further.
The 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of Science's Inquiry Group Learning Plan focuses on creating and revising formative assessment plans for thematic units, completing a formal lesson study, and integrating team protocols into the cadence. The actions include collaborating with colleagues, implementing lesson study protocols, and integrating team protocols. The plan also emphasizes support from instructional coaches and team members, tracking student performance on assessments, and gathering feedback from colleagues and students.
1. Increased Student Engagement: By implementing student-centered activities and fostering engagement in authentic learning, we have seen a significant increase in student engagement across all levels.
2. Enhanced Support for At-Risk Students: Using Map Growth data and focusing on underrepresented populations has allowed us to provide targeted support for at-risk students, leading to improved academic performance and growth.
3. Advanced Learner Agency: By incorporating Visible Learning strategies into our teaching practices, we have observed enhanced learner agency, as evidenced by improved evaluation-reflection scores, deliberate practice, and assessment capabilities. These achievements align with our goals of promoting continuous improvement and academic success and ensuring a positive learning environment for all our students. We are excited to continue leveraging the insights from this document to drive further positive outcomes.
During our recent professional development session, we delved into the desegregation of Map Growth Data with teachers, aiming to empower them with practical insights. The session commenced with guiding the educators on how to access and interpret their Map Growth Data effectively. Subsequently, teachers were equipped to create comprehensive charts highlighting the performance of their Tier 2 & 3 students - who are identified as the most needy in terms of special education support. This insightful exercise is poised to enhance our ability to cater to the specific needs of these students, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.