Suggestions based on lessons learned
Most of the lessons learned are embedded in the list of promoters, especially in building broad-based coalition and developing shared leadership. We would definitely
- Start at elementary and work up through the grades especially if you are concerned with the achievement gap. This gap develops in the early grades. It will be more difficult to correct starting in later years.
- Plan for a minimum of five years to get the program going and to obtain reliable information on changes in student performance.
- Build in a variety of metrics both to measure program performance and, separately, to measure student achievement.
There are some things we would have done differently:
- Get comprehensive base-line data, if at all possible. While we didn't have many options, we regretted that we didn't have reliable base-line data to document the improvements in student achievement.
- Engage school principals early and often. Establish a process so that all new principals become informed about the project.
- Put extra emphasis on including all special education teachers in the some form of professional development in science.
- Additional information on the Delaware Science Coalition and on the Coalition high school initiative can be obtained at http://www.sciencede.org.
|
