Day 2: Wayfinding

How do we ensure new science assessments aligned to multidimensional performance expectations produce useful evidence of what students know and can do without introducing barriers related to their disabilities? How can multidimensional science assessments promote equitable science opportunities for students with disabilities? This community work session will highlight challenges and opportunities in designing, developing, and administering multidimensional science assessments to be inclusive of students with disabilities. Presenters will draw from frameworks including Universal Design and provide examples from current projects. The session will include time for dialogue among members about considerations for their own state’s science assessments.

Topics: Assessment/Systems of Assessment, Students with Disabilities, Equity

Early STEM education is becoming increasingly important as a growing body of research acknowledges the wisdom of investing in our youngest learners.

However, the manner in which early STEM education is addressed in PK-3 classrooms determines the effectiveness of that investment. In this session, participants will learn how Iowa teachers are breaking new ground in early STEM. Rather than purchasing off the shelf STEM kits to lead their young students in lessons to learn about STEM, they are engaging in high quality professional learning with open-ended materials to learn how to engage PK-3 students in doing STEM.

Topics: Instructional Materials, Professional Learning, Learning Environments, Learning Experiences, Elementary Science (PK-Grade 5), Early STEM

EdReports will share an update on current and future reviews as an introduction. The majority of this session will engage participants in discussions around high school science to set up our national listening and learning tour. High school presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities and state supervisor perspective is essential in navigating this type of review.

Topics: Instructional Materials, Secondary Science (High School)

To achieve the ambitious goals set by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and similar standards, today’s high school students need access to meaningful, effective learning experiences. The high school landscape offers unique opportunities and challenges for implementing the vision of the Framework and today's science standards. Join NextGenScience to learn what we've learned about the high school science landscape through our work with districts and analysis of science instructional materials and to share solutions for improving the quality of HS learning for all students.

Topics: Instructional Materials, Learning Experiences, Secondary Science (Middle and High School)