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PS3 Professional Development
PS3 workshops are an exciting way to spend focused time with colleagues, deepen science learning and experience models of best practices.
Summer Institutes for Elementary Teachers
- June 23–27, 2008 from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM at Newark Junior High School in Newark
- Explore the FOSS kits listed below:
- Kinder: Animals Two By Two
- 1st: Solids & Liquids
- 2nd: Balance & Motion
- 3rd: Matter & Energy
- 4th: Solid Earth
- 5th: Water Planet
- Deepen your science background by learning from experts in the field.
- Experience models of good teaching with hands-on investigations and understand the over-arching principles behind your science curriculum.
- All sessions are based on the California Science Standards.
- For attending the entire program, teachers receive one or more of
the following based on district guidelines:
- 30 hours of district professional development credit
- $750 stipend for attending 5–day program
- University academic professional development credit (available for a fee)
- (Some districts allow combinations of these. Please check with your science resource teacher for your district’s compensation.)
- Online Registration Form
Newark and San Mateo–Foster City teachers have priority registration from February 25th–March 21st. BASEE teachers may register beginning March 21st. Student teachers and those outside of PS3 and BASEE II districts may register after May 1st on a space available basis.
Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers:
Creating and Fostering Professional Learning Communities: From Teacher Learning to Student Achievement
- June 23–26, 2008 from 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
- Participate in and contribute to activities designed to build trust between colleagues.
- Develop skills for documenting student learning and for sharing your findings with your colleagues.
- Develop skills at using protocols to analyze issues and student work.
- Articulate the standards and expectations that underlie and drive lesson design and assessment of students.
- Learn how to get more out of your department or team meetings. Increase your confidence and improve your communication and facilitation skills.
- Develop your skill as a study group facilitating member and try on the idea of joining other facilitators in leading small group discussions.
- For attending the entire program, teachers receive one or more of the
following based on district guidelines:
- 24 hours of district professional development credit
- PS3 $600 stipend for attending 4–day program
- University academic professional development credit (available for a fee)
- (Some districts allow combinations of these. Please check with your science resource teacher for your district’s compensation.)
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Online Registration Form
Priority registration is for current study group members, facilitators and teachers interested in attending as a school or district team. Priority will also be given to those who have expressed strong interest in committing to forming a study group. Principals are highly encouraged to attend for as many days as possible. Others will be placed on a waitlist for space available registration.
PS3 Science Unit Trainings
Online Registration
These Science Unit Trainings are specifically tailored to one of the three science units taught at your grade level. These practical sessions will leave you well prepared to teach your first science unit and will address the following teaching standards:
- developing proficiency in teaching science, understanding the relevant factual information, central organizing concepts, and links to other disciplines
- using appropriate instructional strategies to convey a subject to students
- using both directed and discovery teaching to integrate the subject into the students’ thinking, while offering students knowledge of concepts and principles as well as problem-solving opportunities
PS3 & SJSU Science & Literacy Inquiry Academy
The Science and Literacy Inquiry Academy is a San José State University MA degree program for K-8 teachers. SLIA is centered around meeting the needs of diverse learners by focusing on inquiry-based science instruction, literacy issues in science instruction (language development), and the integration of technology into science instruction.
Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship for Study in Japan
Interested in an overseas learning experience? The Fulbright Memorial Fund (FMF) scholarship program is designed specifically for educators. This three-week immersion opportunity in Japan is an experience like no other. Teachers and administrators may apply for a three-week travel program to learn about Japan. Participants experience Japanese culture through visits to schools, a home stay visit and indepth learning in the arts, politics, economics, religion and history. Applications are due in December for the following year. Click for more details. 
Ongoing Professional Development
Coaching
This approach to staff development is favored by many teachers. For example, you may want to work on:
- Classroom and Materials Management
- Using inquiry based teaching methods
- Questioning Techniques
Contact your district’s Science Resource Teacher for more information.
Student Work Study Groups
Teachers often find it valuable to meet together as a group on a regular basis to discuss student work. Many school sites have used student work study sessions as part of their Program Quality Review. A Student Work Study Group could be grade level-specific, or cross grade at a school site. Participants could choose to focus on:- using student work to inform instruction
- student conceptual understanding and misconceptions
- student self-reflection
Study groups are led by the Science Resource Teacher, or a trained Science Lead Teacher.
Local Bay Area Opportunities
