Does Your School Need an NSTA Science Program Improvement Review?
Please respond yes (Y); no (N); or, don't know (DK). Tally number of each. If there is a preponderance of "No's" and "Don't Knows" the school probably needs a SPIR.
_____ Are there clearly defined agreed-upon goals for the science program that are known to all school personnel and community members?
_____ Is the core science curriculum aligned with national and state standards?
_____ Is the core science curriculum implemented consistently?
_____ Is the curriculum monitored by the principal and utilized to make decisions regarding resources, budget, and personnel?
_____ Do student assessment data indicate that students are proficient in science and achieving at the highest level possible?
_____ Are inquiry strategies utilized consistently in the instructional program?
_____ Are day-to-day student assessment strategies consistent with inquiry based instruction and do they assess students' use of higher order thinking skills?
_____ Do teachers and administrators understand how to disaggregate assessment data for the purpose of modifying and improving the instructional program?
_____ Are student assessment data utilized by both administrators and teachers for program planning and improvement efforts?
_____ Are policies in place which insure high quality student learning opportunities in science for all students?
_____ Are sufficient resources available to support a high quality science instructional program?
_____ Are budget decisions based on program needs?
_____ Is there effective communication to parents regarding science program expectations and student achievement in science?
_____ Do parents have opportunities to become involved in their child's learning of science?
_____ Do all teachers have high expectations for learners?
_____ Is the professional development program for science teachers on-going, improving teaching and learning, and consequently student achievement?
_____ Do principals provide strong instructional leadership for science program improvement efforts?
Rating Results:
_______Yes _______No _______Don't Know