Standards-Based Curricula Dr. Dennis S. Kubasko, Jr. NC Teach Summer 2009

My Agenda PowerPoint Presentation: Standards-Based Curricula Position Paper Discussion Hands-on Activity Readings Evaluation - A Standards-Based Lesson Plan

Position Statement Standards are good for educators…how we assess those skills is another argument all together! Supportive and informative rationale for building a course Local: New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties State: NCDPI Standard Course of Study National: Benchmarks and NSES

Issues What content do standards stress as being important? What strategies are advised to deliver the content deemed important? Does a standards-based course of study limit the academic freedom of educators? If so, how? If not, why?

Foundational Documents Benchmarks for Scientific LiteracyScientific Literacy National Science Education StandardsEducation Standards

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD A Teachers of science plan an inquiry-based science program for their students. Develop a framework of yearlong and short-term goals for students. Select science content and adapt and design curricula to meet the interests, knowledge, understanding, abilities, and experiences of students. Select teaching and assessment strategies that support the development of student understanding and nurture a community of science learners. Work together as colleagues within and across disciplines and grade levels.

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD B Teachers of science guide and facilitate learning. Focus and support inquiries while interacting with students. Orchestrate discourse among students about scientific ideas. Challenge students to accept and share responsibility for their own learning. Recognize and respond to student diversity and encourage all students to participate fully in science learning. Encourage and model the skills of scientific inquiry, as well as the curiosity, openness to new ideas and data, and skepticism that characterize science.

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD C Teachers of science engage in ongoing assessment of their teaching and of student learning. Use multiple methods and systematically gather data about student understanding and ability. Analyze assessment data to guide teaching. Guide students in self-assessment. Use student data, observations of teaching, and interactions with colleagues to reflect on and improve teaching practice. Use student data, observations of teaching, and interactions with colleagues to report student achievement and opportunities to learn to students, teachers, parents, policy makers, and the general public.

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD D Teachers of science design and manage learning environments that provide students with the time, space, and resources needed for learning science. Structure the time available so that students are able to engage in extended investigations. Create a setting for student work that is flexible and supportive of science inquiry. Ensure a safe working environment. Make the available science tools, materials, media, and technological resources accessible to students. Identify and use resources outside the school. Engage students in designing the learning environment.

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD E Teachers of science develop communities of science learners that reflect the intellectual rigor of scientific inquiry and the attitudes and social values conducive to science learning. Display and demand respect for the diverse ideas, skills, and experiences of all students. Enable students to have a significant voice in decisions about the content and context of their work and require students to take responsibility. Nurture collaboration among students. Structure and facilitate ongoing formal and informal discussion based on a shared understanding of rules of scientific discourse. Model and emphasize the skills, attitudes, and values of scientific inquiry.

NSES: TEACHING STANDARD F Teachers of science actively participate in the ongoing planning and development of the school science program. Plan and develop the school science program. Participate in decisions concerning the allocation of time and other resources to the science program. Participate fully in planning and implementing professional growth and development strategies for themselves and their colleagues.

Science Curriculum Overview: Process Goals Nature of Science Science as a Human Endeavor Historical Perspectives Nature of Scientific Knowledge Science as Inquiry Science And Technology Science in Personal and Social Perspectives

Science Curriculum Competency Goals: Content EES #1: The learner will build an understanding of lithospheric materials, processes, changes, and uses with concerns for good stewardship. Physics #1: The learner will build an understanding of linear motion. Curriculum Support Resources

Loucks-Horsley & Bybee One single set of standards establishes a shared vision for science education in this country Critics say that focusing on standards takes attention away from larger social issues The challenge of implementation Defining success Component checklists

Inquiry: Martin-Hansen Structured inquiry Directed inquiry by the teacher Cookbook lesson implementation Endpoint or product is known Limited student engagement Implementation: All levels: Large classes Teacher can take away components Beginning of the teacher evolution process

Inquiry: Koballa et al. The Spectrum of Scientific Literacy: Koballa NSES defines scientific literacy as “the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural affairs and economic productivity.” Educational goal? Something achievable by all students at the end of a period of instruction

Inquiry: Koballa et al. Three-dimensional framework 1. Level of scientific literacy Range of understanding and abilities that enable people to function to different degrees in our scientific orientated world Seven levels Figure 1: DNA Figure 2: General Expectations now? Levels IV or V on many science related topics Novice teacher verses experienced teacher Where should we expect our students to be?

Inquiry: Koballa et al. Multiple Domains Profile of teacher understanding Biology, Physics, EES, Chemistry Student profiles Scientific Literacy as a value Different degrees of value for scientific literacy Social-cultural issue…does society have a need for scientific literacy? Cloning? Stem-cell research? Missile defense system? Global warming? Life-long objective

Assignments Assignment 2 due midnight Wednesday Note the website for the readings for next week Meet next week at Hoggard High School!