NGSS Core Leadership Team takes on San Francisco!
This January, the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Core Leadership team participated in a training facilitated by WestEd K-12 Alliance in collaboration with the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Our team of 18 teachers and administrators represented the largest district team in the state and joined 7 other CA districts and 2 charter organizations (Aspire, Galt, High Tech High, Kings Canyon, Lakeside, Oakland, Palm Springs, Tracy, and Vista) who have participated in the K-8 NGSS Early Implementation Initiative. They expanded their knowledge and experience with NGSS through inquiry-based activities, collaborative conversations, and hands-on learning in the Exploratorium. They learned research, processes and structures to take back to their classrooms and to their sites. It was a unique opportunity to collaborate with other science leaders across the state who are leading the charge with NGSS implementation in their districts.
The experience in San Francisco inspired our Core Leadership Team to bring back science talk strategies to our district TK-5 Capacity Builders. They shared some of the research on English Language Development and Science through a discussion on the value of science talks in the classroom.
“English language development and science instruction do not need to be distinct forms of instruction. Science provides a rich and authentic context for developing English language skills. With appropriate supports, ELs can participate in highly engaging and complex science learning experiences that support the development of their English skills where language use is a natural part of how students make meaning”(Gomez-Zwiep, Susan; Straits, William; Topps, Jo. Science and Children; Washington Vol. 53, Iss. 2, (Oct 2015): 80-86 ).
San Diego Unified is leading the state in inquiry-based science for all students. The Core Leadership Team is proud to represent the district and support science teachers with cutting edge research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The team is thankful for all the learning opportunities they have to continuously push their practice. They are a valuable resource for our teachers and students. If you are interested in being an advocate for science in our schools, please reach out to Zoë Randall, zrandall@sandi.net.
This January, the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) Core Leadership team participated in a training facilitated by WestEd K-12 Alliance in collaboration with the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Our team of 18 teachers and administrators represented the largest district team in the state and joined 7 other CA districts and 2 charter organizations (Aspire, Galt, High Tech High, Kings Canyon, Lakeside, Oakland, Palm Springs, Tracy, and Vista) who have participated in the K-8 NGSS Early Implementation Initiative. They expanded their knowledge and experience with NGSS through inquiry-based activities, collaborative conversations, and hands-on learning in the Exploratorium. They learned research, processes and structures to take back to their classrooms and to their sites. It was a unique opportunity to collaborate with other science leaders across the state who are leading the charge with NGSS implementation in their districts. 
The experience in San Francisco inspired our Core Leadership Team to bring back science talk strategies to our district TK-5 Capacity Builders. They shared some of the research on English Language Development and Science through a discussion on the value of science talks in the classroom. 
“English language development and science instruction do not need to be distinct forms of instruction. Science provides a rich and authentic context for developing English language skills. With appropriate supports, ELs can participate in highly engaging and complex science learning experiences that support the development of their English skills where language use is a natural part of how students make meaning”(Gomez-Zwiep, Susan; Straits, William; Topps, Jo. Science and Children; Washington Vol. 53, Iss. 2, (Oct 2015): 80-86 ).
San Diego Unified is leading the state in inquiry-based science for all students. The Core Leadership Team is proud to represent the district and support science teachers with cutting edge research and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The team is thankful for all the learning opportunities they have to continuously push their practice. They are a valuable resource for our teachers and students. If you are interested in being an advocate for science in our schools, please reach out to Zoë Randall, zrandall@sandi.net.
