The Science Department supports a balanced, comprehensive, and research-based instructional model as described in the Science Framework for California Public Schools Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve. This Framework provides grade-level content and investigation/experimentation standards for science, focusing on the life, physical, and earth sciences. It also emphasizes the importance of differentiated instruction, high expectations, interactive approaches, and flexible groupings to support student performance. These instructional approaches are combined with ongoing, systematic assessment of student learning.
The Science Department has developed a variety of strategic supports for teaching and learning. These tools include Units of Study, formative and summative assessments (including benchmark and end of course tests), tools for student notebooking, and the use of teacher leadership through a professional learning community model to support schools in science implementation. The instructional supports provide teachers with consistent guidelines for planning and monitoring student progress toward grade-level standards.
The mission of the SDUSD Science Department is to support a quality science education program for ALL students.
Science is an integral part of the intellectual development of a child. Interest in science begins with attitudes and values established in the earliest years through daily experiences. Students graduating from high school must have a foundation in scientific knowledge and evidence based reasoning.
A quality science education program for all students includes six essential indicators:
- Students engage in learning through the processes of science
- A body of evidence informs decision-making
- Teaching strategies and pedagogy vary based on student need
- Teachers receive support through on-going PD and PLC’s
- Relationships exist between schools, parents, and the community
- Appropriate materials and resources support learning
- Celebrate student and teacher success.
- Be approachable, acknowledge, and respond to site needs in a timely manner.
- Listen openly and fairly to all needs and ideas shared.
- Support teachers in a manner that all their students are successful.
- Take action using data/evidence and ask “How do/will we know?”
- Ensure and advocate for equity in all decisions made regarding science.
The Science Department is committed to helping each student improve in their understanding of science concepts and skills. To that end our goal is the annual improvement of student proficiency in science by 5% as measured by the NCLB California Standards Test for students in grades 5, 8, and 10, as well as high school end of course California Standards Tests in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics.