High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) designed for next generation science can make a difference in the quality of equitable science teaching and learning throughout the educational system and for all learners (i.e., for all leaders, teachers, and students). So how can local leaders take a systems approach to the selection, broad and effective implementation, and sustained improvements offered by such materials? What are some practical ways to make this work in our community?

Participants will consider these questions as they are introduced to systems thinking and the drivers that impact the successful implementation of high-quality instructional materials. Participants will also learn more about these system drivers through the stories of large and small districts who took on the challenge of implementing high-quality instructional materials at the middle school level. Participants will consider their own context and readiness for such an initiative.

Key Takeaways:

• Curriculum implementation for next generation science requires a clear vision shared by a strong partner, funding, a long-term plan for implementation, a robust professional learning program with ongoing support, advocacy and support, capacity-building, and a robust kit distribution and/or refurbishment process.
• Some aspects of our current system are supportive of the changes required to implement high-quality instructional materials designed for next generation science and support new approaches to teaching and learning; others are barriers and present challenges to achieving this vision of science teaching and learning.

All individuals receive a certificate of participation and 100 NSTA activity points for attending the live seminar and completing the end-of-program survey. A certificate of participation is not awarded for watching the recorded version of the program.

We invite you to register for upcoming web seminars at NSTA.