North Carolina LASER K-12 Science Education Strategic Planning Institute: A Leadership Program - Meeting the Challenge of Science Education in a High-Stakes Environment
The North Carolina LASER K-12 Science Education Strategic Planning Institute offers preK-12 school districts an opportunity to develop a high quality science education program aligned with North Carolina's Standard Course of Study. The LASER Institute will guide school district leadership teams through the process of developing a tailored strategic plan - a plan for initiating and implementing an effective inquiry-centered science program. Research-based, inquiry-centered science learning and teaching promote students' active involvement in their learning experiences, help them develop and retain scientific concepts and skills, and prepare them to be members of the future workforce.
LASER Institutes are conducted by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC) - http://www.nsrconline.org/. For over twenty years, NSRC has worked to improve the learning and teaching of science for all students through NSRC's integrated leadership development for school districts, professional development for teachers and exemplary science curriculum for K-8 students.
Through an intensive 5 1/2-day program of interactive workshops and discussions, district leadership teams will:
Explore current research on how students learn and develop;
Address the five elements of reform: curriculum professional development materials support assessment administrative and community support; and
Receive technical assistance in the strategic planning process and network with others across North Carolina involved in science education reform.
The North Carolina LASER K-12 Science Education Strategic Planning Institute is tailored specifically for North Carolina school districts and features resources available to schools in the state as well as faculty familiar with North Carolina.
"The NSRC Strategic Planning Institute had all the elements of a world-class professional development experience. It delivered intellectually challenging science content in a collaborative environment, structure and guidance for developing local science improvement plans, and a nice blend of national perspectives on current research in science education. Educational leaders looking for ways to stimulate or sustain their science instructional programs should not miss this opportunity." — John Parker, retired superintendent Roanoke Rapids Graded School District
Who Should Attend A five-person leadership team composed of teachers, school administrators, and a community leader. Teams should include representatives from both K-5 and 6-8 schools.
Schedule for LASER Institutes Leadership teams from North Carolina school districts have the opportunity to participate in LASER Institutes held in various locations in North Carolina.
Cost Through the support of the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the usual registration fee for LASER Institutes has been waived for North Carolina public school districts.
Continental breakfast and full lunch each day plus two evening meals are included for each participant.
Participants are responsible for all transportation and lodging expenses.
How to Register To register for the North Carolina LASER Institute, contact the SMT Center, 919-991-5111 or smt@bwfund.org.
Participation is limited to the first 20 teams. Please register early.
For Additional Information Contact the SMT Center, 919-991-5111 or smt@bwfund.org.
—————- The National Science Resources Center was established in 1985 by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Academies to improve the learning and teaching of science for all students in the United States and throughout the world.
