Science+Ed+Consultation+Services+Letter

Trenda posted this letter last week for us to review and modify. Please make any revisions or modifications by March 31, 2010.

Dear School districts today are required to explore cost saving measures at a level not experienced in decades. Responding to these financial demands is a difficult task for school administrators and governing boards. A strategy that some Arizona districts have employed is the elimination of content specialist positions from central district administration. The loss of these knowledgeable and often times passionate educators, however, results in the loss of critical content and pedagogical knowledge, places more responsibilities on other administrative personnel, and/or requires specialized knowledge from building administrators and teachers who are frequently not qualified to make necessary content specific decisions. Consequently, high quality learning for the children of your district may be put at risk, jeopardizing the future of the students and negatively impacting the “high stakes” test scores for your district.

The Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL) at Northern Arizona University offers a consultation service that may be of benefit to your district. Our expert professional development staff is prepared to consult with your district personnel as you strive to provide high quality, effective science instruction to your learners. Our consultation services are specifically designed to meet the districts we serve, but may include meeting with your curriculum director regarding the development of effective science instruction strategies, consulting with your district science committee, assisting in a curriculum adoption process, observing and providing mentor services to your teachers or building principals, or helping you address other science education needs unique to your learners. The exact nature and extent of our collaboration would be decided according to your specific needs and budget. Our staff will work with you to develop a scope of work, specify the amount of time dedicated to your district needs, and build a budget that is aligned with your priorities.

If this consultation program is of interest to you or if you would like further information, please contact Jackie Menasco, CSTL associate director of professional development services at (928) 523-7044 or email her at Jackie.Menasco@nau.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,