We sit in a unique arena of science education in Washington State due in large part to the efforts of all who significantly participate in Washington State LASER and its structure of nine LASER Alliances. In partnership with this structure are the work of OSPI and the development of state standards in science that allow us to focus our energies. Never before in the history of science education in this state have we worked together, district with district, to share a common vision for science education of our students in grades K-12. We are, for the first time, making joint decisions, sharing professional development, agreeing on common processes and products as well as making financial decisions together. We are putting students in touch with the world around them by educating their teachers. We are attending to the assessment data that is telling us we are on the right track.

As we keep our focus on current research, we turn to such seminal works as that of Suzanne Donovan and John Bransford in How People Learn. We are developing programs that adhere to the Key Findings by attending to the identification of preconceptions (Key Finding #1), developing deep factual knowledge in the classroom teacher and their students (Key Finding #2), as well as teaching students to be metacognitive in their thinking and learning (Key Finding #3).

My personal vision is predicated on the above system being in place and remaining viable. My vision is to be a part of a system of science education whereby all students learn science that is taught by capable, knowledgeable teachers. I have the vision that we could empower each student to become a scientifically literate person - someone who has an understanding of science and the nature of science such that it allows them the excitement and passion for the world around them. I have a vision that this could be a set of beliefs shared by everyone. As we live from day to day, we are confronted with increasingly difficult questions about the science in our lives. We need scientific information and a way of thinking in order to make an informed and critical decision. And, we need the ability to work cooperatively to determine how best to share resources, live sustainably, and cooperatively on this great earth.

I feel that a true understanding of science will enhance the opportunities for all students to hold meaningful and productive jobs in the future. The business community continuously reminds us of the need for entry-level workers with the ability to think creatively, work collaboratively, reason, and solve problems. After all, the world is flat, as we are beginning to see, and the global economy is dictating that we move forward to a new level of awareness and understanding for all Americans. My vision is grand yet full of tremendous hope.

As an advocate of science education in Washington State, I work tirelessly at the local, regional, state and national levels to try to bring this reform effort to action.

At the local level, I serve as the Elementary Science Coordinator for Walla Walla School District as both the person responsible for the small but mighty Science Materials Center providing kits for 120 elementary teachers in our district and several small districts in close proximity to Walla Walla. I also provide the professional development for all elementary teachers in our district. I deliver the Initial Use Trainings and the ongoing professional development (PD) follow-up to enhance a teacher's understanding of both the world of science at work and of the units they are required to teach. I have developed a dynamic relationship with this group of folks and through a strong level of trust; we have become a true community of learners as we move forward to improve science education.

At the regional level, I work with the SE WA LASER Alliance to facilitate and provide the professional development (Initial Use and Follow-Up Trainings) for elementary teachers across our Alliance. In my work with Battelle/PNNL, I have been hired to create professional development guides for the STC units taught in our region in the hopes of standardizing the 12 hour Initial Use Trainings.

Throughout the year I work with a group of elementary and middle school lead teachers we call LASER Facilitators who learn with me the characteristics of high quality PD as well as the creation of presentations that could be done in the individual SE WA LASER Alliance districts with the intent to build capacity. Also, in my role as a science specialist for Battelle/PNNL, I work with classroom teachers and practicing scientists in partnership to develop a teacher's deeper awareness of the nature of science. As a doctoral student at Washington State University, I am using that work as my research in the quest to answer the question of the impact of the scientist/teacher partnership. Will that relationship cause them to change their practice?

I have participated as a faculty member on the Strategic Planning Institute each year for the past eight years growing to the level of Facilitator for the last four years. Finally, Jeff Estes and I meet with leadership teams from each of the school districts participating in the LASER Networking Forums from SE and SC LASER Alliances. We create and present day-long workshops on anything from sustainability to managing change.

At the national level I have worked for years with the National Science Resources Center on the Advisory Board. I also work with Carolina Biological Supply Company as a consultant to the STC Program. I have assisted them in the creation of 8 of the 24 teacher training videos which provide support to the classroom teacher as they teach each unit.

Finally, I have taken on the role of adjunct instructor for Washington State University teaching the Science Methods course this fall. I am providing what I believe to be a well crafted message about the reality of science in today's classroom and what the nature of science in the current climate of state standards looks like. I have 21 preservice teachers in my care and I take, most seriously, the impact I may potentially have upon them.