BSCS | Taking the Next Step

Taking the Next Step

Taking the Next Step - Tucson Style
Press release courtesy of Next Step Institute

BSCS teamed up with NSELA (National Science Education Leadership Association) to present a session titled “Using Data about the Change Process to Support the Implementation of a Standards-Based Science Curriculum” at the ASMC (Association of Science Materials Centers) Next Step Institute held in Tuscon, Arizona, Oct 31-Nov 3. Thirty representatives from participating teams attended the session, presented by BSCS Center for Professional Development staff in partnership with NSELA.

The American Southwest has a style all its own and no city better represents that spirit of diversity and resourcefulness than Tucson, AZ. The Association of Science Materials Centers (ASMC) has a style all its own when it comes to supporting instructional improvement in science education and no event better represents that style than the Next Step Institute (NSI).

Some 300 educators, presenters and partners shared style and substance with ASMC and co-host Tucson Unified School District at NSI 2007. Participating teams represented school districts consortia and other science education organizations in 16 US states and one foreign country, Slovenia.

Participants found the relaxed setting and intense learning to be a potent mix. By day they explored the next steps to success in assessment, professional development, instructional materials support and curriculum enhancement. By night they feasted on the tastes of southwestern cuisine, the sounds of strolling Rayos del Sol de Tucson mariachis and the sight of the sun setting over the desert.

The learning experiences of NSI are provided by organizations that compete to present their expert knowledge. Where else but at NSI could you find the Association of Science Materials Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, BIO5 Institute at The University of Arizona, BSCS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study), East Bay Education Consortium, Museum of Science - Boston, National Science Education Leadership Association, Partnership for Student Success in Science, SC Mathematics and Science Unit, Tennessee State University and Wallingford, CT Public Schools/Quinnipiac University all sharing proven strategies for improving science instruction?

Said one participant, "The pathways at the Institute provided us with valuable information and new ideas. The visit to the Tucson Science Materials Resource Center was quite helpful, and we thoroughly enjoyed the Sonora Desert Museum experience. Most importantly, we have added to our network of other professionals to learn from and share with. The new knowledge and contacts will be beneficial as we move forward with our science program evaluation and science adoption process."

For more information about the BSCS National Academy for Curriculum Leadership, click here or contact us at nacl@bscs.org.