Instructional leadership / Site-based component is conducted with grade level groups of teachers including the school administrators and selected special education teachers.

•  Collaborating with the staff to identify program needs to support a successful implementation of a science improvement plan that aligns curriculum, instruction and assessment based on the new CT Science Framework and student performance data;

•  Assisting in the development of a plan to address science instruction in every classroom on a daily basis by providing research and information on best practices in curriculum alignment, instructional practices and assessment;

•  Working with the science teachers to develop recommendations based on the CT Academic Performance Test (CAPT) data analysis which focus on curriculum, instruction, resources and teacher professional development to support the 8-12 science curriculum and instructional process;

•  Enhancing elementary classroom teachers' science content knowledge and facilitating changes in their classroom instruction for inquiry-based hands-on science instruction for all students;

•  Reviewing CASAP science assessment data and targeting specific science domains to address an instructional improvement plan;

•  Observing and discussing current instructional practices and modeling effective instructional classroom strategies for teachers and administrators to be used in teaching the current science curriculum utilizing inquiry-based, hands-on strategies;

 •  Demonstrating techniques to evaluate samples of student science class work and homework as assessment tools to aid in the effectiveness of instruction;

•  Explaining the appropriate selection and implementation of science materials and equipment necessary for instruction of kit-based science;

•  Presenting to the teachers instructional strategies that integrate appropriate technology into science instruction for each grade level;

•  Working with district/school leaders to coordinate all activities and to make program adjustments as necessary;

•  Identifying professional development needs and activities for teachers and providing means for continuous instructional improvements; and

•  Meeting with district leadership to measure the success of the program and to establish plans for further appropriate areas for technical assistance.

Systemic Support Component : Collaborating with the district science supervisor to identify programmatic needs in order to establish a district wide science improvement plan to enhance K-12 teachers' science content knowledge and facilitate changes in their classroom instruction to inquiry-based hands-on science.

K-8 Science Improvement : Utilize the CT Academy Science Assessment Program (CASAP) to assess students at grade levels 3, 5 and/or 8. CASAP assessment materials, publications and the consultant(s) travel are all included in a project contract; and

8-12 Science Improvement: Assist in the establishment of a school-based science improvement plan to address specific CAPT objectives.