The AIU MSC Science Coordinators are dedicated to the provision of research-aligned science professional learning opportunities for all science and science-supporting educators. Our work supporting OpenSciEd is a large part of this because high-quality instructional materials provide more equitable access to science learning opportunities aligned to rigorous standards and build the capacity of educators and teachers to implement quality instruction in science. As research from Weiner and Pimentel (2017) states, “integrating professional learning and curriculum into a holistic approach for improving teaching and learning is an important element of meeting the goal of educating all students and giving teachers the support they need to become expert practitioners.”

OpenSciEd has taken the lead in the provision of instructional and associated professional learning materials that support science teachers in aligning classroom practice with recommendations from A Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC, 2011) and the Next Generation Science Standards, both of which were influential in crafting the science standards in PA’s STEELS standards. Our partnership with OpenSciEd to train teachers, and other educators on effective implementation of high-quality instructional materials will provide participants with refined and deepened knowledge about science standards and effective instructional practices aligned with equitable science learning opportunities.

At the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, we believe that we are all educators and learners. Education, and science education more specifically, is not limited to the four walls of a classroom, but is a life-long process that helps us grow and thrive in a changing environment. Therefore, we strive to support science educators in the removal of barriers and obstacles to students’ continued progress and learning. One tenet of removing barriers is the provision of high-quality, relevant, and phenomenon-based science teaching. AIU MSC’s professional learning offerings in science emphasize the creation of a collaborative classroom learning environment where all students have continuous access to science that is engaging, relevant to their lives, and experienced as directly as possible. In this manner, we are responsive to the needs of all learners and work to continuously refine and reform science education to meet those needs.

Darling-Hammond, Hyler and Gardner (2017) note seven features of effective professional development. They are: employs active learning, supports collaboration, uses models of effective practice, is content-focused, provides coaching and support, offers feedback and reflection, and is of sustained duration. To provide sustainable professional learning, AIU MSC attempts to embody each of these features in the professional development opportunities we provide. Furthermore, AIU MSC builds relationships with our constituents so as to provide curated, long-term professional learning experiences for educators relevant to their roles. We work as a collaborative team to develop and lead flexible, customizable, yet innovative services by pushing boundaries in a changing educational landscape. We continuously reflect on our own approaches so we can remain a conduit of best practices and research, nimble in adapting to the needs of our constituents. These efforts lead to sustainable classroom and systemic practices implemented with fidelity.