National LASER K–8 Science Education Strategic Planning Institute

National Science Resources Center
Smithsonian Institution
National LASER K–8
Science Education
Strategic Planning
Institute
Meeting the Challenge of Science Education
in a High-Stakes Environment
July 15–20, 2007
Arlington, Virginia
The LASER Center
Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform
www.nsrconline.org

National LASER K–8 Science Education
Strategic Planning Institute
Meeting the Challenge of Science Education in a High-Stakes Environment
July 15–20, 2007 Arlington, Virginia
Join other forward-thinking school districts at the cutting edge of science education
reform. Participate in the 2007 National LASER K–8 Science Education Strategic
Planning Institute.
This Institute will guide your school district leadership team
through the rigorous process of developing a tailored strategic
plan—a plan for initiating and implementing an effective researchbased
science education program steeped in best practices.
An effective science education program is the bridge to science
literacy for all students. Research-based science learning and
teaching—by promoting students’ active involvement in their own
learning—help students develop and retain scientific concepts and
skills, hone their critical thinking and reasoning abilities, and
prepare them to be members of the future workforce.
Institute Goals
During this 5 1 ⁄2-day program of interactive workshops and discussions, your leadership
team will:
> Explore current research on how students learn and develop;
> Examine exemplary research-based K–8 science curricula;
> Address the five elements of reform—curriculum, professional development,
materials support, assessment, and administrative and community support; and
> Receive technical assistance in the strategic planning process and network with others
involved in science education reform.
Who Should Attend
A five-person leadership team of administrators, teachers, and community leaders. Team
members must collectively have the skills, commitment, and credibility to lead and
sustain local science education reform efforts.
“We now have a common mission and vision and
people with the knowledge and understanding to
pass on to others. We already have a solid
program, but we have now identified activities to
refine and improve the program.”
–A science curriculum coordinator who attended a 2006
NSRC strategic planning institute

Program
The institute program will focus on five critical questions that school districts must
address as they plan for and implement science education reform programs.
Focus Question Sessions Faculty
What does a quality K–8 science program look
like?
What research informs this way of teaching
science?
How do we introduce a new instructional
program into our school system?
How do we build an infrastructure that
supports a high-quality K–8 science program?
How do we create a plan of action to guide
and sustain future efforts?
Take part in vision building and inquirybased
science experiences.
Expand your knowledge of research on how
people learn and the impact on teaching and
learning.
Participate in a simulation that informs
participants about how to bring change into
a school system.
Learn about strategies for:
> Professional development;
> Effective assessment;
> Science materials support;
> Administrative and community support;
and
> Selecting exemplary instructional
materials.
Develop a tailored strategic plan with
technical assistance from experts in science
education.
For an example of a past program, visit http://www.laserscienceevents.si.edu/SPI/SPI_program.html.
Cost
$6,000 per five-person team. Discounts are available for teams who register before
April 13, 2007. Participants are responsible for their transportation and lodging expenses.
Registration
Download and complete the online registration form on the NSRC Web site,
http://www.nsrconline.org/about_the_nsrc/events.html, and return the form to the
NSRC. Space is limited.
Questions
Contact Mary Raucci, LASER Program Associate, at 202.633.2971 or laser@si.edu, or
visit http://www.nsrconline.org/about_the_nsrc/events.html.
“Our school will be able to implement a more
articulated and research-based program. We will
be more strategic about designing staff
development for science. We have seen excellent
materials and know they will work in our context.”
—A principal who attended a 2006
NSRC strategic planning institute
Institute faculty includes
teachers, school administrators,
scientists, engineers, and
science educators. All began
working for science education
reform by attending an NSRC
strategic planning institute.
All are nationally recognized
experts in science education,
and all have extensive
experience in science education
reform.

The National Science
Resources Center
was established by the Smithsonian
Institution and the National
Academies to improve the learning and
teaching of science for all children in the
United States and throughout the world.
The prestige and credibility of these two
world-renowned institutions provide the
NSRC with access to research, scientific
expertise, and resources to inform our
work, as well as an opportunity to
engage and catalyze educators, business
people, and scientists in all aspects of
science education reform.
Smithsonian
Institution
www.nsrconline.org
National Science Resources Center
Smithsonian Institution
National LASER K–8 Science Education
Strategic Planning Institute
901 D Street, SW, Suite 704-B
Washington, DC 20024
ATTN: Mary Raucci
Address Service Requested