Organized by: California Partnership for Math and Science Education (CPMSE) and Partner Agencies
Purpose: To build a collaborative network of science educators and leaders across California committed to equitable, NGSS-aligned instruction through shared learning, leadership, and continuous improvement.
What Is a Science Community of Practice (CoP)?
A Community of Practice is a sustained group of professionals who:
- Share a common vision for equitable science education
- Engage in collaborative inquiry and lesson study
- Solve instructional and systemic challenges together
- Amplify promising practices in NGSS implementation
The Statewide Science CoP connects teams from counties, districts, and schools to create alignment, build leadership, and drive lasting change.
Core Goals
- Deepen Understanding of NGSS
- Focus on three-dimensional learning (DCIs, SEPs, CCCs)
- Use phenomenon-based, student-centered instruction
- Center Equity in Science Education
- Address opportunity gaps and uplift historically underserved students
- Strengthen Educator Leadership
- Develop teacher-leaders and instructional coaches as local experts
- Build System Coherence
- Align goals and strategies across classrooms, schools, and districts
🔶 Who Participates?
- TK–12 Science Teachers
- District Science Coordinators & Coaches
- Site and District Administrators
- County Office of Education Science Leads
- Higher Ed Faculty & Researchers
- Informal Science Education Partners
🔶 CoP Structures and Activities
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Collaborative Convenings | Virtual and in-person meetings to share strategies and analyze student work |
| Lesson Study Cycles | Teams plan, observe, and revise NGSS-aligned science lessons |
| Equity-Focused Inquiry | Use of tools to analyze student engagement and equitable participation |
| Cross-District Networking | Shared learning with teams from other districts and counties |
| Leadership Development | Training in facilitation, coaching, and NGSS professional learning |
| Resource Sharing | Co-creation and dissemination of high-leverage strategies, tools, and case studies |
Outcomes and Impact
- Greater student achievement and engagement in science
- Stronger implementation of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
- Creation of equity-focused professional learning ecosystems
- Increased collaboration between K–12, higher education, and informal learning sectors
- Sustainability through locally-led leadership capacity
How to Join or Start a Science CoP
- Contact your local County Office of Education or CPMSE regional representative
- Form a cross-role science leadership team in your district
- Attend orientation sessions or an onboarding institute
- Commit to a year-long cycle of collaboration, lesson design, and reflection
