In a time of standards, assessment, and accountability, the role of administrators has become increasingly complex. NSTA recognizes that administrators at both district and school levels face challenges in providing support for high-quality science education. NSTA’s National Conference on Science Education in Anaheim, California, April 6–9, 2006, will feature a two-day program for superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, and science consultants/specialists that includes nationally recognized keynote speakers, relevant short courses, one-hour focused workshops, and in-depth panel discussions about the “State of Science Education” in our nation. This program will focus on equipping administrators with research-bound evidence and district-/classroom-tested best practices designed to support effective K–12 science programs.

Featured speakers will include Nancy Romance from Florida Atlantic University, who will share her expertise on Principals Promoting Science in a World That Is Getting Flat, and Michael Klentschy, superintendent of the El Centro School District, who will discuss Science Education in a NCLB Standards-Based World. Romance will speak at the Administrators Luncheon (sponsored by Pearson Scott Foresman), which requires a ticket purchase.

Short courses, workshops, and panel presentations will feature nationally recognized principals, assessment specialists, curriculum directors, science educators, and science specialists.

Short courses (tickets required) will include

• Hand Lenses in Science—Professional Development for Principals,
• Building a Strong Elementary Science Program,
• Lesson Study—Making it Happen,
• Effective Classroom Practices for English Learners, and
• Increasing Time for Science.

Workshops will include

• State Performance Testing—Lessons Learned,
• Ninth-Grade Physics—Lessons Learned,
• Measuring the Effectiveness of Professional Development Programs,
• Model for Developing Partnerships for Educational Reform,
• Principal’s Role in Integrating Science and Literacy, and
• Using the 5 E’s in Preservice/Inservice.

Panel discussions will address two key issues:

• K–12 Science and the Current and Future Workforce
• Inquiry vs. Direct Instruction: An Ongoing Debate

For further information and to register for the conference and ticketed events, visit www.nsta.org/conventiondetail&Meeting_Code=2006ANA.