Focus Question(s) for 2008-09:

What are the steps necessary to get Phase II and III of the FOSS implementation ready for 2009-10?

What type of professional development do principals need?

How will we collect feedback to create a plan/schedule for circulation of all FOSS kits?  Why will this be beneficial to teachers and students?

Prediction(s):

If we continue with a temp then I believe we will be able to get the kits built in time for 2009-10, but I am concerned about the space for transitioning the kits in to the STG center because we will be circulating kits all year and these kits need the space. 

I believe the principals are interested in receiving training.  I believe it will be important for them to have an evaluation rubric of things to look for when they are observing a science lesson (i.e, using notebooks, is the teacher using the FOSS module?,)  I think that I should have the teacher leaders make a list of what they feel is important for principals to observe.

I believe that the teachers and schools would like to have a set schedule, perhaps a cohort system, so they know when they will have each kit to help them determine best ways to integrate with their reading, writing, spelling and math curriculums. 

 Plan(s)

Kit Prep

• have temp work through summer to help get a jump start on phase II
• hire a temp in late August to continue to build kits
• Key question - when phase II is built where do we store it to make room for phase III building

Principal PD

• talk with leadership team and with 3 teachers attending inquiry institute to identify key observation pts
• talk with principals in districts using FOSS, perhaps from FEATS pilot schools and Dr. K to identify pieces
• watch progression of blue mtn and work with Kristie to determine best pd plan and moment during year to implement

Circulation

• create survey to send mid-year to collect data around schedule
• talk with principals about roadblocks for certain kits and various schools (ex. inquiry units at IB schools)

Data/Observations:

Claims/Evidence:

Conclusion:

Next Steps/New Questions:

What a very productive 2007-08 school year.  We completed the FOSS and STC pilot and chose the FOSS program.  The board approved the adoption and we almost have the phase I kits built and ready to circulate in August.  This summer we will have over 300 of our elementary teachers attending the full day initial PD of the FOSS program.  Exciting.  I am nervous and anxious to see the reception by the teachers.  I know they have a lot on their plates with new adoptions, but the best message they can hear at these trainings is how science can be such an important vehichle to help drive and enhance the learning in other areas.