Science@OC
5
Key Focus Areas
- Strategic
Planning for Science with School District Teams
About half of the OC Districts have strategic plans for their
elementary programs and very few have plans in place for
developing their middle school programs. We would assist
school districts in meeting the requirement of “at
least 25%” of engaging, inquiry-centered learning in
science.
- Establishing
an Orange County Middle School Initiative
We need to build on the expertise of middle school teacher
leaders, higher education, science organizations, and scientists
and use current research to meet the needs of middle school
science teachers. Baseline testing in 8th grade begins spring
of 2006.
- Coordinating
Orange County Science Professional Development
We need to assess what is being offered, ask districts what
they need and seek providers from the resources available
to us in Orange County, through the California Science Center
or from nationally recognized models for science education
reform
- Providing
a Network for Orange County Science Organizations
This project called “Celebrate Science” is well
underway thanks to the efforts of Project Tomorrow. We will
assist in getting the message out to the community that “science
is important!”
- Connecting
State Educators, Business and Public Policy Leaders
Science@OC has received a grant to do just that through the “Linking
Leaders” program of the National Alliance of
State Science and Math Coalitions. Sue Neuen currently serves
as Director of the California Science and Math Coalition.
CLICK
HERE to learn about Science@OC and the California
Science Center.