Overview

The LASER Secondary School Science Education Strategic Planning Institute prepares school district leadership teams to implement hands-on, inquiry-centered science programs and to bring about systemic reform of science education in middle schools. This is an intensive planning meeting designed to guide school district leadership teams through the process of developing tailored strategic plans for initiating and implementing effective inquiry science programs for middle schools.

How can I find out more?

• See the list of attendees from past events 2002-2005
• Review the goals for Secondary School Science Education Strategic Planning Institute participants
• Look at a past event brochure and a past event program
• Read through frequently asked questions
• View event PowerPoint presentations
• Contact the NSRC's Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) Center at [email protected] or call the LASER Center at (202) 633-2971

Who should attend?

All school districts that apply for participation in the Symposium must identify a four to six-person leadership team. Team members must demonstrate that they collectively have the skills, commitment, and credibility to lead a science education reform initiative in their community.

Each team should include:

• A school district administrator. The participation of the Superintendent of Schools has proven critical to the success of past teams. If the Superintendent is unable to participate, a designated administrator who has decision making authority should be on the team.
• Two experienced teachers – an elementary school teacher and a middle school teacher - with demonstrated leadership skills.
• A senior scientist from a local corporation, college or university, museum, or federal research facility who will work with the district to develop community support for science education reform.

What are the benefits of attending?

Only one in four U.S. students scored “proficient” of height in science on the 2000 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The implications of this level of science knowledge are sobering: future shortages of U.S. scientists and engineer, an electorate unable to distinguish between emotional and rational points of view, and public discourse lacking in scientific perspective.