A CONVERSATION WITH FASS MEMBERS October 23, 2007 SCIENCE ACADEMY NETWORK (SAN) Sponsored by the Regional Educational Laboratory-Southeast Francena Cummings

REGIONAL EDUCATION LABORATORY- SOUTHEAST REL-SE Executive Director Dr. Ludwig van Broekhuizen Operated by SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

3 The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) System

What Does REL-SE do? The REL-SE at SERVE Center supports states and districts in using data, research findings, and local evaluation to improve the quality of decisions. 4

The Science Academy Network A multi-year program of support for a Science Academy Network (SAN) of Florida districts. Focused on building expertise in a facilitated planning and decision- making process with a focus on improving middle school science. 5

EBDM Cycle

SAN Goal 1 1.To build district and school leaders’ knowledge and expertise in using data, research, and evaluation as a means of improving science teaching and learning and supporting student readiness for high school science. 7

SAN Goal 2 To work with participants to fine- tune a decisionmaking process featuring an evidence-based decisionmaking cycle that can also be used with other content areas or improvement teams within the district. 8

SAN Stages of Development 1.Using data to sharpen understandings 2.Exploring relevant research 3.Constructing a plan 4.Piloting and evaluating the plan 5.Refining and adjusting plans 9

Outcomes and Benefits The Science Academy Network will work collaboratively with participants to build an effective and customized process for continuing sound decision-making about science teaching and learning. 10

Outcomes and Benefits 1.A strong team-based critical thinking process for making evidence-based decisions. 2.A collection of useful protocols for effective discussion and deliberation. 3.Ongoing virtual access to a community of colleagues for expertise and support 11

Participation Participation is limited and involves an application and selection process. Team composition can vary. Participation involves a “real” or functional team of participants from the district. Participation begins in winter of 2008 and continues through winter of

District Role Each district will have a designated team leader who will be SERVE’s main contact. This leader also has the responsibility of leading team meetings back in the district. 13

Timeline The Science Academy Network is a two- year capacity-building process that is scheduled to begin in February of 2008 and continue through February of The SAN will hold two 2 t0 2 ½ -day meetings per year at a location within Florida central to participating districts.. 14

Support Between meetings, members will participate in virtual networking events to share and discuss the work they are doing and talk with experts on selected science-related topics. Consultation from SERVE Center will be available as needed 15

Costs SERVE will provide –Hotel accommodations –Meals –Assistance with substitute teachers as needed. Meetings will be held in a centralized location to minimize mileage expenses 16