Thank you for your interest in the OpenSciEd Elementary Implementation Institute. This application is for schools/districts and professional learning providers, including educator preparation faculty/instructors, who would like to be considered for participation in the Spring 2025 institute.
Institute Overview
DESE is partnering with OpenSciEd to offer a three-day Implementation Institute April 9-11 at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough for teams who plan to adopt* OpenSciEd Elementary in the 25-26 school year.
The Institute will include:
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a two-day facilitator training for collaborative teams to become trained on the materials and prepared to then offer in-house training in their district and
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a third day for collaborative team implementation planning
This institute will present a revised elementary professional learning model based on field test feedback that includes greater flexibility to address the constraints such as time and number of facilitators to lead in-house training. The institute will be split up by grade bands (K-2 & 3-5). Teams can focus on one grade band or send members to both bands, depending on the grade levels being adopted. The team will come together on the third day to develop an implementation plan.
Teams will also receive support during the 25-26 school year, with follow-up sessions to support implementation.
*In school year 25-26, districts must commit to implementing at least one unit per grade band attended at the Institute. Preference will be given to districts that are committed to full adoption of OpenSciEd Elementary in at least one elementary grade level for their core, tier 1 science instruction over the next two to three years.
Who should attend?
The institute is open to all Massachusetts districts, MA-based science professional learning organizations, including education preparation faculty/instructors. The funding and priority are for Massachusetts districts and professional learning providers. Out-of-state districts and organizations are also encouraged to apply and will be admitted based on availability. Out-of-state participants will be required to pay a $600 registration fee per person. Contact Yanira Vazquez with any questions.
MA-based science professional learning organizations and education preparation providers are invited to send a team (up to 5) who will then support districts and/or prepare educators with this professional learning and implementation support.
Districts should plan to send a collaborative team (up to 5) for all three days, minimally consisting of science educators and leaders. The ideal team would contain:
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An individual who makes decisions about district professional learning content for teachers and/or some level of oversight over scheduling for the district
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An individual who provides instructional support, coaching, and/or supervision for teachers in the grade levels adopting OpenSciEd materials
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Individuals who will lead the grade-level implementation in their school/district
These roles may overlap, or be further split up in certain contexts! The goal is for collaborative teams to build their collective understanding of how to best support educators in implementing OpenSciEd Elementary Instructional Materials for learners of all abilities.
Please continue with this application if you are interested in participating.
The application will close on Friday, February 14th. Districts will be notified of their status at the beginning of March.
Questions? Contact Nicole Scola [nicole.scola@mass.gov]