“NSTA strongly believes that we must move forward with professional development programs based on the best information currently available. The science education community should continue to encourage and conduct systematic research about effective professional development to add to our knowledge base for particular purposes in various contexts.”—NSTA Position Statement: Professional Development in Science Education (adopted May 2006)
In response to current interest in science education strategies, the National Science Teachers Association developed Research Dissemination Conferences (RDC) to highlight research topics and NSTA’s expanding commitment to bring specific, meaningful, and practical professional development to science educators. RDCs are highly focused and timely, single-topic events offered in conjunction with NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education.
The Conference Program
The conference format includes plenary sessions that address issues of general interest and multiple concurrent small group sessions that are relevant to the interests and needs of the practitioner audience. When registering for the conference, participants select breakout sessions that best match their needs. Each breakout session targets specific groups, such as elementary teachers, secondary teachers, principals, curriculum coordinators, and professional development providers.
Participants are encouraged to attend in teams. The diverse breakout session format is designed to accommodate different team members' interests.
Upcoming conference
Looking Toward the New Framework for the Next Generation Science Standards: New Research on Promising Practices in Professional Development with a Focus on Curriculum Integration
Past conferences
Highly Effective Science Education: Integrating Science and Emerging Educational Technology in the Science Classroom
Linking Science and Literacy in the K–8 Classroom:
Science Assessment: Research and Practical Approaches for
Grades 3–12 Teachers and School and District Administrators:
Science and English-Language Learners (ELL):
Science Assessment, Linking Science and Literacy, and Science and English Language Learners: What Does Current Research Say About Best Practices?
Keeping Elementary Primary: Current Research and Best Practices for Quality Instruction