Comments made after a Washington State LASER Planning Institute
The LASER workshop has "given" us a solid plan (developed by our team) for science reform in our district. This was accomplished through excellent sessions, guidance, background information, sharing, etc, etc, etc. One great aspect was the time provided for planinng – we are leaving not only with mounds of information but also a VERY important piece – OUR strategic plan!
Larry Byman, Teacher
Mark Morris High School
Longview School District
This week has really helped our team to "flesh out" our ideas/goals for science in our district. All of the curricula that are part of LASER were chosen for the same reason – student learning. A program like this week's LASER Institute helped us stay focused while we were looking ahead to possible obstacles. Having many people here to help and share experiences was invaluable.
Dale Fournier, Teacher
Mount Vernon Middle School
Mount Vernon School District
The introduction to the research was one of the most powerful experiences of my stay with LASER.
Allen Sharples, Curriculum and Communications Coordinator
Lakewood School District
Thank you for the time to work on our strategic plans. Quality work cannot be done at after-school or widely spaced apart meeting times. This gave our team the opportunity and time to work on a common goal. We were able to focus our time and energy and not be torn by all of our other commitments. I think this LASER Institute is one of the few things I have attended that will ultimately lead to changes that will benefit all of the students in our district.
Diane M. Lean, Teacher
Primary Union Gap School
Union Gap School District
LASER has been excellent. We came with lots of questions and had them answered. The organization, flow, and support were excellent.
Lloy Schaff, Curriculum Director
Mukilteo School District
The LASER Institute was a wonderful opportunity to create a district plan for improving science for students. The format, while demanding, enabled comprehensive thinking and planning to actually make something happen. I recommend the process – all six days of it, without reservation.
Terry Nelson, Assistant Superintendent
Cheney School District
This week was a good wake up call on the importance of science education. As a principal I will now go back to my building and share my enthusiasm with my staff and get them on board with our strategic plan that our team developed.
Steve Quick, Principal
Naselle Grays River School
Naselle School District
It was hard work but the results were valuable to the District. Content was side by side with the planning process, which was extremely beneficial. We look forward to implementation.
Larry Hearst, Principal
Toutle Lake Junior/Senior High School
Toutle Lake School District
This week has been great!! Many of the skills and concepts apply to all we do. It has started us on a path that will lead to an exciting journey.
Linda Kieffer, Professor
Eastern Washington University
The entire institute was thoughtfully planned and a "textbook perfect" example (ironically) of what a weeklong informational and planning inservice should be. The balance between presenting information, showing examples, then having us work form those models was effective and really allowed us to keep moving forward with the development of our own strategic plan.
We are now ready to take the next steps towards implementation and are most appreciative of the offers of support from the LASER team here at the conference. Both their enthusiasm and expertise is so appreciated.
Susan Berman, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mount Vernon School District
The Institute helped us to get a clear focus on science education based on research. Because of the background information given by the faculty, the task of picking the curriculum was very simple. Our goals were not based on personal opinions or agendas but what we learned as important research based criteria to promote student learning.
Faye Ashland, Curriculum Director
Castle Rock School District
Your investment in the LASER Institute will provide your district with the plan and community connections necessary to succeed!
Scott Sandwith, Mechanical Engineer
Kinematics
A member of the Kent School District team
I thought I was volunteering for our district science curriculum adoption. I was one of seven people who came to represent our district and adoption process. Little did I know that I was going to be inspired to become passionate about science reform in Washington State and the nation. I did not know that I was going to be "sucked in" to a huge, vastly important movement that is critically important to the future of science education in the state and nation. This movement has the potential to change all of education -- based on what we learn about teaching – by teaching inquiry, INTEGRATED science. Thank you very, very much.
Diane Plesha, Teacher
Discovery Elementary
Mukilteo School District