Approve Agreements for Technical Services for Elementary Science Trainers, 2008/2009 - $95,968 (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

We request approval of the attached list of trainers who will plan, conduct, and provide follow-up support for elementary science teachers at various locations throughout the District beginning July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009, so all elementary science teachers are able to experience science, not just read about it.

Science teachers need a background in science to feel confident in presenting content to their students. Training will be provided where teachers can learn science concepts and will be shown how they can integrate the concepts in their reading by presenting the specially designed Picture Perfect Science Lessons Workshops. In addition to these workshops, additional training has been designed that takes science vocabulary and its concepts into hands-on activities based on Dina Zike's book, the Big Book of Foldables in Science. Activities are specifically chosen that build teacher background and expand the vocabulary of students in Grades K-5.

Additional Science trainings will address science content as it relates to the Sunshine State Standards at specific grade levels (grade-level content workshops), the integrations of Science and Mathematics curriculum (SAMI Earth, Life, and Physical), and content for teacher background knowledge so they are better prepared (USE Earth, Life, and Physical).

Courses to be offered include:

• Picture Perfect Science Lessons
• Using Literature to Guide Inquiry, which teaches physical, life, and earth science concepts integrated with children's literature
• Science Foldables (Physical, Earth, and Life), where teachers learn to use a folding strategy to build science concepts and vocabulary
• Grade-Level Content (grade specific & Sunshine State Standards)
• SAMI (Science and Math Integrated) (Physical, Earth, and Life), the natural integration of science and math at both the primary and intermediate levels
• USE (Upscaling your Science Expertise) (Physical, Earth, and Life), content for the teacher at a higher level

With greater emphasis on science content and ways to teach science effectively, the students in Hillsborough County will increase their learning and overall achievement in science. The goal is to give each child a better understanding and appreciation of science by giving the teachers a better understanding of the subject matter.

In order to effectively provide the training, permission is requested to add and/or delete facilitators as needed, not to exceed the budget of $95,968.

Goal 3 – Student performance on FCAT science will increase a minimum of five percentage points.

Funds of $95,968 for Elementary Training are included in the elementary staff development budget, Project 4502.

2009 FCAT science scores for students of participants will be analyzed to determine effectiveness of training.