FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

There is a correlation between improving science education and keeping the United States workforce strong and competitive. University of Illinois Extension and Bradley University Center for STEM Education have been partnering for many years, in a variety of ways, to help improve the learning environment for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education throughout Central Illinois. This summer a new training opportunity called Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was provided to area educational leaders. NGSS incorporates the three dimensions of practices, core ideas, and crosscutting concepts to help students build a cohesive understanding of science over time.

The workshop “PLANS – Principals Learning About Networking & Supporting 3-Dimensional Science Learning” was designed to support instructional leaders in figuring out constructive strategies for mentoring teachers as they implement the Next Generation Science Standards. Twenty-one educational leaders including principals, instructional coaches, and department heads participated in this first introductory workshop.

Districts, schools, and teachers across the country are working on implementing a new vision for science classrooms based on the Framework for K-12 Science and NGSS: classrooms in which teachers support students in science and engineering practices for building and using science ideas to explain real phenomena and solve real problems. 

A core challenge is the lack of curriculum materials that reflect the dramatic changes in this vision. Traditional textbooks, lesson plans, and units are not up to the challenge. Educators are finding that they need to find, adapt, or create new curriculum materials to support this 3D approach to science learning. 

Participant evaluations highlighted the following:

• I have a better grasp on what the standards actually mean. I realize that these standards are rigorous and much more than just teaching content.
• I understand that this will most definitely take time to make the shift from the traditional method of teaching to this new exploratory learning.
• My biggest takeaway is including regular "productive talk" as an essential part of the lessons and student learning process.
• Classroom culture, modeling, and hands-on experiences really help promote student-developed learning.
• Student-led problem-solving techniques—allowing the exploration for student learning and the additional learning that occurs from correcting their own mistakes.

Educational leaders committed to implement the lessons in their schools. They planned to create work time before the school year started to encourage discussion and the classroom culture aspect needed to facilitate the student-developed learning environment. This shift requires that teachers use NGSS to encourage exploration instead of drilling facts, vocab, and concepts.

For additional information on how you or your school might engage with this exceptional programming opportunity visit mentormatchingengine.org or contact Kathie Brown, University of Illinois Extension educator, brownlk@illinois.edu.

STEM education is a focus of many University of Illinois Extension programs in Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties. Extension staff work with partners and volunteers to provide hands-on learning for classroom and out-of-school settings. To learn more about the impact these programs are making in our citizens and communities or to get involved in upcoming programs visit the website https://extension.illinois.edu/fmpt