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Nebraska Academy of Sciences

We believe science is essential for all Nebraskans

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Resources for School Administrators

Improving science instruction is not just for the teachers in the classroom, but also the administrators who are charged with leading them. The new science standards are changing the way we teach. A classroom may be noisy or appear chaotic, until you look closer and see that kids are actually DOING science. These resources are designed to help administrative staff understand how to promote and effectively evaluate Framework-inspired lessons and Three Dimensions of Learning.

"Administrators' understanding of and support for the changes in science instruction and learning goals is essential, particularly at the elementary level. Teachers need ongoing support beyond the first year of implementation to integrate the changes into their teaching style and instructional decision making."

- Guide to Implementing Next Gen Science Standards

"Professional development focused on students' thinking and analysis of instruction is more effective than professional development focused only on improving teachers' content knowledge in science."

- Guide to Implementing Next Gen Science Standards

K-12 Science

Websites

NGSS - An overview for Principals - 2-page handout. Explains how NGSS-aligned classrooms work.
Preparing for the NGSS - "Administrators need to be ready for the increased rigor of the NGSS". Article from District Administration
What school administrators should know about the new vision for K-12 science education - Practice brief from Stemteachingtools.org
How should districts and schools focus professional development when starting to implement NGSS? - Short page with links to additional resources. From STEMteachingtools.org
Supporting Teacher Professional communities to implement school-wide initiatives. - Research brief from stemteachingtools.org
Evaluating curriculum materials for alignment with the new vision for K-12 science education. Research brief from stemteachingtools.org
Professional development that supports teacher learning about the new vision for science education. - stemteachingtools.org

Books

Guide to Implementing Next Gen Science Standards - 114 page book by National Acadamies Press - Free online or buy.
NSTA Bookstore - Many titles about implementing NGSS.

Elementary Science

STUDENTS VIEWS OF SCIENCE ARE FORMED DURING THE

PRIMARY YEARS AND SOLIDIFIED BY AGE 14.
- awsp.org/esv

Why Elementary Science Workshop - 22-min long video and resources walk you through some learning tools centered around why elementary science, what does good science instruction look like, and how building leadership teams can best implement changes to what science instruction looks like in your school. From the Association of Washington School Principals.
Will elementary science be the forgotten stepchild of school reform? - An article by ChangeTheEquation.org which analyzes data and explains the importance of encouraging science in elementary.

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Nebraska Academy of Sciences, INC.

302 Morrill Hall, 14th & U St

Lincoln, NE 68588-0339

(402) 472-2644

Email: nebacad@unl.edu

NAS, NATS, and NJAS are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.