A CONVERSATION WITHFASS MEMBERS

October 23, 2007

SCIENCE ACADEMY NETWORK (SAN)

Sponsored by the Regional Educational Laboratory-Southeast

Francena Cummingsfcumming@serve.org

800-755-3277

REGIONAL EDUCATION REGIONAL EDUCATION LABORATORY- SOUTHEASTLABORATORY- SOUTHEAST

REL-SEREL-SE

Executive Director Dr. Ludwig van Broekhuizen

Operated by

SERVE Center

at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro

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The Regional Educational The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) SystemLaboratory (REL) System

What Does REL-SE do?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.

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The Science Academy The Science Academy NetworkNetwork

• 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.

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EBDM CycleEBDM Cycle

SAN Goal 1SAN 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.

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SAN Goal 2SAN 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.

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SAN Stages of DevelopmentSAN 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

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Outcomes and BenefitsOutcomes 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.

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Outcomes and BenefitsOutcomes 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

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ParticipationParticipation

• 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 2010.

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District RoleDistrict 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.

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TimelineTimeline

• 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 2010. The SAN will hold two 2 t0 2 ½ -day meetings per year at a location within Florida central to participating districts..

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SupportSupport

• 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

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CostsCosts

SERVE will provide– Hotel accommodations– Meals– Assistance with substitute teachers as

needed.

Meetings will be held in a centralized location to minimize mileage expenses

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