Vision

Mission for Teaching science

Learning Principles for Teaching Science

• Students learn science concepts best when they are actively engaged in an inquiry based process Therefore we will provide opportunities for students to engage with materials, explore through investigation, propose and critique explanations based on evidence, and apply understanding to take the next steps.

• Students develop deeper understanding when given opportunities to communicate scientifically.  Therefore students will be provided the opportunity to construct their understandings through purposeful conversations, multi-media outlets, and writing where students share, evaluate, and defend their ideas.

• Students learn best when given the opportunity to identify prior knowledge and refine and confront current understandings.  Therefore students will be provided the opportunity to formulate new knowledge by modifying and adding to their understanding of concepts that in turn will guide instruction.

• Students are able to transfer scientific knowledge best when provided the opportunity to relate the big ideas to personal experiences and connect what they learn to the bigger picture for a greater understanding.  Therefore students will be provided with curriculum and instruction that is guided by big ideas and will be provided with opportunities to transfer their learning to new contexts.

• Students gain scientific literacy when provided the opportunity to be taught using common language, skills, and content on a continuum from K-12.  Therefore students will be provided the opportunity to be taught a vertically aligned curriculum and instruction.

• Students develop a deeper understanding of scientific content when assessments are intentional and ongoing.  Therefore teachers and students will engage in: ongoing, diagnostic, and formative assessment aligned to enduring understandings and grade level benchmarks. 

OSSU District Learning Prinicples

• Transfer is the goal - The ultimate goal is for learners to apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of big ideas to new contexts.

• Curriculum - Learners will make connections through their interests, strengths and prior knowledge to gain a deep understanding of cross-curricular concepts.  Curriculum must focus on BIG IDEAS that are spiraled, aligned and logically connected throughout PreK-12 education.

• Assessment /Feedback - Learners need regular non-judgmental and constructive feedback.  They also need timely opportunities to use the feedback to understand goals and to produce quality work.  Learners should experience multiple forms of assessment that is conducted by both teachers and learners.

• Instruction - Learners make connections to the larger world of ideas when the instruction is guided by clear expectations, and models for learners to follow.  When instruction is rooted in inquiry and application, learners gain a deeper level of understanding of the big ideas.

• Environment - Learners perform best in communities of trusted adults and peers. They take risks and achieve their personal best in safe and supportive school-wide environments.  Learners transfer their understanding across environments when learning is personalized and feedback is supportive and instructive.