This session will provide a broad overview of the NGSS, discussing the frameworks that inform the standards, instructional practices that support the NGSS in the classroom, and high-quality instructional resources that are available that can support NGSS implementation. We will also discuss tools you can use to become a critical consumer of resources to use in your classroom.
Instructional coaching is a way to build reflective practices in teachers to drive instructional change. The relational nature of coaching techniques allows the coach to provide specific, context-based suggestions that could be used to address inequitable structures in classrooms. Individuals who work with teachers can make specific and intentional moves to help teachers reflect on and challenge structures of power, narratives, and values of science, and what science participation looks like from within specific classroom structures.
Cultural relevance promotes inclusive environments that expand perspectives of meaningful participation to include all students. This session will consist of two parts, with part 1 focusing on: (1) What is cultural relevance? (2) How has cultural relevance been applied? and (3) How can we make actionable steps in our own classrooms to affirm the diverse cultures and perspectives of our students?
Cultural relevance promotes inclusive environments that expand perspectives of meaningful participation to include all students. The second session will be a time for participants to workshop applications of cultural relevance for their classroom context in collaboration with the presenter and other participants in similar subjects/grade bands.