It's Time for Science Podcast Episode 21: Implementation Strategies

It's Time for Science, and it's time to talk again about implementing elementary science effectively! Tom talks with the team from the Syracuse City School District about what they've done to have such a successful implementation of the FOSS Program. This well-oiled team consists of Science and Technology Director Dr. Dana Corcoran and elementary science instructional coaches Amy MacDonough and Ashley Blood.   Dr. Dana Corcoran is the Science and Technology Director for the Syracuse City School District (SCSD), a role she has been in for the past 10 years. Prior to her current position, Dr. Corcoran served as the Supervisor of Science at OCM BOCES. Her extensive teaching experience includes both middle and high school science. Dr. Corcoran holds a degree in Biology from Utica College, a Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in Science Teaching from Le Moyne College, and both a PhD and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University. Her academic background and professional journey reflect her deep commitment to education and leadership in the field of science and technology. Dr. Corcoran is also an avid supporter of community engagement and lifelong learning, often participating in local science fairs, mentoring young educators, and staying updated with the latest advancements in science and technology. Throughout her career, Dr. Corcoran has been instrumental in ensuring that all elementary students, from kindergarten through fifth grade, receive comprehensive science programming. She has also been a key leader in the district's transition to the new New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS).   Amy M. MacDonough is from Syracuse; New York and has been working for the SCSD for 24 years. In the classroom 22 years, this is her 2nd year as an elementary science instructional coach. In her current role she has greatly enjoyed hooking teachers with the FOSS program.  As a former student herself of the SCSD, up to 6th grade, she's thrilled to be giving back. "It's so cool to see their students with materials and being engaged with their learning."    Ashley Blood is an elementary science instructional coach for the SCSD. Prior to this role she was an elementary teacher for ten years both in her home state of Alaska and in Syracuse. She is a passionate science educator, as she sees the incredible benefits to her students.
  Tom begins the discussion with the SCSD team talking about why science education is so important, the importance of a scientific literate community; talking about learning gaps in their district; and how often science instruction is the most exciting for many kids. Students who don't have a lot of success in school in general can come in and feel successful in science. They discuss Dr. Corcoran's hiring; how she worked to get instructional coaches out of the classroom and working full time; and the need she saw to get consistency across schools and the need to bring in a strong curriculum program. They talk about the importance of instructional coaches in helping teachers get going; their journey to adoption and getting teacher buy-in, implementing small and then expanding to other grades; getting teachers excited; and how FOSS specifically helped students become engaged and get teacher buy-in to teaching science. They continue talking about how teachers learn about management and where to go for help; the PLC work they do helping teachers understand concepts and breaking various concepts down; and making sure new teachers get the support they need. They talk about how teachers are always surprised that there's really something for kids at all levels to do in science; their successes with students; and hearing over and over again about kids who aren't necessarily successful in other areas being engaged with science. Even kids that may not be fluent in English can draw, understand, and explore. Tom asks the team to dive deeper into how they approach access an