Original Vision

The goal of the SATURN project is to facilitate teachers to develop and implement a quality, standards-based program, grades 7-12, that will promote science literacy for all and increase student achievement. The objective are to:

1. Develop a clearly articulated and sequenced science curriculum, grades 7-12, based on national science education standards and Ohio proficiency standards.
2. Identify and implement exemplary instructional materials that reflect national science education standards.
3. Create a leadership team in every district to facilitate the localization of the curriculum, development of the scope and sequence, selection of instructional materials, and facilitate the year-long SATURN Study Groups.
4. Educate all middle school and high school science teachers in course work related to national science education standards, pedagogical and content knowledge of specific instructional materials, use of authentic assessments, and application of high performance technology (totaling 130 contact hours).
5. Increase student achievement in science as measured by Ohio Proficiency Tests.

SATURN Professional Development Model. The SATURN model consists of 130 hours of professional development obtained through leadership training, reform workshops, immersion training on instructional materials, study groups, immersion training on content themes, and technology options.

The SATURN leadership model utilizes a Program Management Team consisting of the Principal Investigators and six exemplary teacher leaders. Lead Teachers representing each of the 44 middle school and high school buildings in the county meet monthly with the Program Management Team and also facilitate their year long local Study Groups.

The building of internal capacity and the institutionalization of the lead teacher is critical to maintaining the reform agenda after the SATURN grant is completed.

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