Events
Washington State LASER hosts a variety of events to help school districts begin their science education reform efforts, and continue to make progress and networking with other districts after they have begun. The three primary events are:
The Instructional Materials Showcase: a one-day opportunity for teachers, administrators, and curriculum directors to participate in interactive workshops demonstrating selected exemplary elementary, middle, and high school research-based, inquiry-centered science instruction materials that have been endorsed by the National Science Foundation.
The National Academy for Curriculum Leadership: a three-year professional development initiative for school- and/or district-based Leadership Teams focused on building the leadership capacity for science instructional materials reform through the implementation of National Science Foundation-funded instructional materials.
Networking Forums: one-day forums during which LASER district teams in a particular region of Washington state come together to support each other and share progress on their science education reform goals, as well as focus on deeper investigation and analysis of some particular aspect of science education reform.
Science Materials Center Events: A list of science materials center events happening around the state.
The Strategic Planning Institute: a six-day program of interactive sessions and discussion, during which leadership teams from each participating district will develop a shared vision of effective science learning and teaching, learn the components of an effective infrastructure needed to support a research-based science program, and develop a strategic plan for improving instruction in science in their district, among many other activities and learning opportunities!