Implementation

During the third quarter, Kindergarten teachers and the administrative intern participated in Science Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) in an effort to:

 * ===== Collaborate to create highly engaged science lessons, =====
 * ===== Deepen understanding of the new N.C. Science Essential Standards, =====
 * ===== Define student learning outcomes for science standards, =====
 * ===== Focus on explicit science instruction in the classroom, =====
 * ===== and Increase student engagement and achievement in science. =====

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The primary focus was on time spent on science instruction and the processes used to teach concepts and assess student learning. We began by reviewing the North Carolina Science Essential Standards, the Unpacked Standards document, and the Edgecombe County Schools Pacing Guide for Kindergarten Science. The Understanding by Design method was used for planning the quarter science unit. We first decided what we wanted the learning outcomes to be based on the Essential Standards and worked backwards to create assessment questions and lessons. Each time we met, we discussed student performance on assessments, what the teachers needed to do in their instruction based on student performance, and shared resources for the next set of lessons. =====

__Strategies Used:__

 * 1) Kindergarten Teachers and Administrative Intern will attend grade level professional learning communities.
 * 2) Administrative Intern will facilitate the creation of hands-on, explicit science lesson.
 * 3) Administrative Intern will provide professional development on how to Implement Foss Kits and other hands on activities.
 * 4) Administrative Intern will observe Kindergarten classrooms and provide feedback to teachers.