Layered implementation support for teachers adopting a new science curriculum: preservice training, follow-up training, and a science coach¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

In the evaluated trial, intervention teachers received a layered support package: "four days of preservice professional development to learn about the specific curriculum before the school year, a three-hour follow-up training before the curriculum was implemented, and access to a ‘science coach’ midway through teaching the unit that was tested." All teachers were also offered basic professional development related to the district’s new textbook. Beyond the study, more than 60 GEMS® network sites and centers provide ongoing training and support to teachers.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to trained science coaches and network sites able to provide ongoing support
• Time for preservice professional development before the school year

Constraints¶

• The study does not provide information on the education or experience of teachers
• Teachers in both groups were instructed to refrain from adding any activities to those present in their assigned curriculum

Target Learners¶

• Elementary school teachers implementing a new science curriculum

Target Learning Goals¶

• Faithful implementation of a reform-based science curriculum

Related Strategies¶

• Support curriculum implementation with initial multi-day training plus ongoing onsite consultation during the school year
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• Establish a monthly school implementation team with two days of pre-launch training and ongoing technical support
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• Deliver Getting Ready educator training and coaching through virtual formats
• Layered professional development: summer institute plus weekly web conferencing follow-up
• Improve transmedia-curriculum professional development with classroom observation, Q&A-only webinars, and later scheduling
• Ongoing math-specialist coaching and curriculum-based professional development for implementing teachers

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, What Works Clearinghouse. (2012, June). Science intervention report: Great Explorations in Math and Science® (GEMS®) Space Science Sequence. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/InterventionReport/612