Science Academy Network

Purpose: In the winter of 2008, REL-Southeast at SERVE will begin a multi-year program of support for a Science Academy Network (SAN) of Florida districts interested in participating in a facilitated planning and decision-making process with a focus on improving middle school science. The Science Academy Network has two major goals:

• To build district and school leaders’ knowledge and expertise in the use of data, research, and evaluation as a means of improving science teaching and learning and supporting student readiness for high school science.
• To collaboratively fine-tune a decision making process for science improvement teams featuring the use of an evidence-based decision making cycle.

Process: The SAN will focus on five topical areas:

• Use of data. Members sharpen initial understandings of specific problems that districts and schools are currently facing in preparing students for high school science.
• Exploration of relevant research. Members explore a broad extent of relevant research on options for improving science teaching and learning.
• Construction of a plan. Members refine or develop distinctive improvement plans based on the information learned during stages 1 and 2.
• Application and implementation. Members begin piloting and evaluating aspects of the science improvement plan.
• Reflection and adjustment. Members refine improvement plans based on information gathered during stage 4 of the process.

Outcomes: The SAN will work collaboratively with participants to build an effective and customized process for continuing sound decision-making about science teaching and learning. Some results of this process will include

• A strong team-based critical thinking process for making evidence-based decisions about science programs and instruction.
• A collection of tools and protocols to guide productive discussion and deliberation that deepens understandings, builds consensus, and leads to effective plans and evaluations.
• Ongoing virtual access to a community of colleagues for continued expertise, resources, and support throughout and following the scheduled Science Academy Network activities.

Participants: Membership in the SAN will include teams of participants from selected districts and/or schools within Florida. Team composition can vary, but the team needs to represent a “real” or functional district team who will work with the SAN through winter of 2010 on improving science outcomes through the middle school years.

Timeline: The SAN is a two-year capacity-building process scheduled to begin in February of 2008 and continue through February of 2010. The SAN will hold 2- to 2 ½ -day meetings at a central location. Members will participate in virtual networking events to share the work they are doing and talk with experts on science-related topics. Consultation from SERVE Center will be available as needed.

Travel Costs: SERVE will provide hotel accommodations and meals and assistance with substitutes as needed. Assistance with travel costs can be provided as needed. Meetings will be held in a cost-effective manner at a central location.

SAN Detailed Information
San Letter of Invitation
SAN Application [ Printed or Online ]