ACADEMY OF SCIENCE
About the Academy of Science
The Academy of Science (AoS) was designed to enhance deeper understanding of inquiry-based science within the
school community. AoS fosters a collaborative culture that increases teacher knowledge, enhances instructional
practice, and improves student learning through analysis of classroom instruction. AoS gives teachers the
opportunity to gain “best practice” knowledge through authentic learning communities and ownership of their
own continuing education. Science Professional Development was created to support implementation of Sunshine
State Standards for Science and National Staff Development Council principles and standards. Often a teacher’s
last encounter with science course work was in high school or college. These courses were developed to increase
science literacy in teachers and students.
AoS is for science teacher leaders (primary and intermediate), school-based science coaches, school instructional coaches, and school administrators. The AoS expectation is for participants to commit to attending three (3) consecutive years.
Goal
- Provide training that shifts school cultures from isolation to collaboration
- Engage teachers in their professional learning
- Provide for teacher ownership of professional development through inquiry-based instructional practice
For the Participants
AoS participants will:
- Experience teacher collaboration and provide for research-based professional development through viewing and debriefing live streamlined and videotaped lessons, analyzing student work, and content-based protocols for professional reading
- Build learning communities, support risk-taking, and accelerate adult learning
- Transfer training effectively to the classroom and create a common classroom language to ensure equity
- Build and align best math instructional practices across the district that will increase curriculum fidelity, while differentiating instruction
- Have access to AoM Blackboard as a means of collaboration and resources
- Provide training that shifts school cultures from isolation to collaboration
Contact Information
For more information, contact Diane Landschoot, Elementary Science Coach
Duval County Public Schools at
landschood@duvalschools.org, Susan Cavin, Elementary Science Coach
Duval County Public Schools at
petrows@duvalschools.org, or Pia Carswell, Middle School Science Coach
Duval County Public Schools at
carswellp@duvalschools.org. You may also reach Diane, Susan, or Pia at (904) 348-5757.
