Preparing to Implement PA STEELS K-12 Science Standards

To better prepare the science educators in your school district for implementing the shifts in science instruction entailed in the PA STEELS standards, the AIU's Math & Science Collaborative has constructed possible paths for your district to follow as you shift from “learning about” to “figuring out” as the normative culture in K-12 science classrooms.

The graphic above provides an overview of the phases your district should follow for a successful implementation of the K-12 science standards within the PA STEELS standards. Below, you will find more details for each of the four phases of science standards implementation. Each tab links to relevant science engagement opportunities for professional learning geared toward that phase. This information is also available as a PDF flowchart. Please contact Dr. Corinne Murawski with any questions.

Become familiar with and experience, first-hand, the shifts in science teaching and learning embodied in the science portion of the PA STEELS standards.

• Feel the shift.
  
  
• Experience it as a learner.
  
  
• Experience it as an educator.
  
  

View relevant engagement opportunities geared toward Phase 1

Embark on the planning process for the strategic implementation of phenomenon-based, three-dimensional science instruction in your school or district that is aligned with the K-12 science standards in PA STEELS.

• Collaborate with peers.
  
  
• Design your professional learning.
  
  
• Learn about effective pedagogy.

View relevant engagement opportunities geared toward Phase 2

Implement instructional shifts toward phenomenon-based three-dimensional science teaching.

• Choose your textbooks and materials.
  
  
• Implement the instruction.
  
  
• Sharpen your content knowledge.
  
  
• Share your plan.
  
  

View relevant engagement opportunities geared toward Phase 3

Continue implementation of instructional shifts in science teaching and learning from "learning about" to "figuring out."

• Reflect on and refine your skills.
  
  
• Solidify your programming.
  
  

View relevant engagement opportunities geared toward Phase 4