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McREL: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, delivering research and practical guidance to educators
Areas of Expertise

Our Work: Curriculum & Instruction

Science

Two girls looking at science display

 

 

 

 

 

 


With science at the forefront of No Child Left Behind testing and with concerns that America is steadily losing its global edge in science, the stakes are high for students to succeed in science. Whether your school or district needs intensive, on-going assistance or a workshop or two on a specific topic, McREL’s services are geared toward improving — and sustaining — achievement in science.

Designing effective science lessons
professional development series

Research shows an alarmingly high percentage of science lessons are considered low quality. Helping science teachers plan and deliver more effective instruction is the goal of Designing Effective Science Lessons (DESL).

McREL’s three-part framework incorporates the most critical components of lesson planning: identifying important content, developing student understanding, and creating a learning environment. Delivered in four, 2-day sessions, DESL shows participants how to implement recommended strategies immediately and on their own. DESL workshops are also delivered at McREL’s offices.

Science leadership academy
(see Leadership)

This long-term program integrates elements of McREL’s Balanced Leadership framework with powerful professional development in improving science content knowledge and instruction. Come to learn how your district can develop, implement, and sustain an effective science program; leave with a plan that addresses curriculum, assessment, instruction, professional development, administrative and community support, and resource allocation.

Workshops
Pick up new ideas for teaching science in ways that are grounded in evidence and hold a challenge for all students. Attend one of McREL’s science workshops to deepen your understanding about best practices in the science classroom.

Workshops for Success in Science

Designing a School or District Curriculum Audit in Science
Take standards implementation to the next level by conducting a curriculum audit. Learn how to use a step-by-step process for creating an alignment matrix, map assessments to standards, identify gaps in instruction and achievement, and evaluate a school or district curriculum framework.
Audience: Administrators, curriculum
developers, & science teacher-leaders

Selecting Instructional Materials for Science
Learn how to develop the most effective process and timeline for reviewing and selecting science textbooks or other classroom materials. Making the most of the selection process will provide students and teachers with the best possible resources for achieving science standards.
Audience: Science teachers & school and district administrators

 

 

 

 

Other science-related workshops

More science-related workshops are described in our literacy, technology, and afterschool instruction sections.