A Professional Development Approach to the NGSS
This book includes activities and useful advice for guiding teachers and administrators as they put the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) into practice in the classroom. Written by three experts in professional development for science teachers, it offers the following:
Introduces the vocabulary, structure, and conceptual shifts of the NGSS
Explores the three dimensions of the Framework for K-12 Science Education science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas and how they are integrated in the NGSS
Provides classroom case studies of instructional approaches for students challenged by traditional science teaching
Covers curricular decisions involving course mapping, designing essential questions and performance assessments, and using the NGSS to plan units of instruction
Examines the connections between the NGSS and the Common Core State Standards
Offers advice for getting past common professional development sticking points and finding further resources
This resource includes more than 20 activities that have been used early in the process of introducing and developing understanding of the Framework and the NGSS. The author includes chapters on practical ways to facilitate professional development and address common sticking points that arise during workshops, as well as helpful tips for administrators as they engage in implementation. The book can be purchased through online outlets or directly from the National Science Teachers Association website. An electronic version of the book is also available for purchase and download, and the first chapter is available for free download.
Science specialists, curriculum coordinators, and instructional coaches who provide professional development will find this collection very helpful for their school or district capacity building and NGSS implementation efforts.