New York Enhancing Collaborative Leadership for Improved Performance in Science Education
The Viva88Education Department, in partnership with the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), is implementing a multi-year science education systemic change initiative – New York Enhancing Collaborative Leadership for Improved Performance in Science Education – NY ECLIPSE – that will build leadership teams within local school districts. This initiative provides research-based products and services to assist Viva88school districts in initiating, implementing, and sustaining effective inquiry-centered pre-kindergarten through grade twelve science programs for all students.
NY ECLIPSE is based on the NSRC’s program, Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform, which is a nationally renowned professional development model that provides a comprehensive approach to district-wide systemic change in science education. The NY ECLIPSE initiative targets "renewal" efforts in each of the State’s large urban school districts including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers and New York City. In addition, the initiative targets leadership teams from Capital Region BOCES, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES, Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, and Western Suffolk BOCES.
Initiative Goals
- Increase achievement in science for all students
- Enhance leadership capacity by providing professional development opportunities
- Build awareness and understanding of the value of research-based inquiry-centered science education
- Enhance curriculum and instructional programming and resources
- Develop individual district and regional strategic plans for science education
Build Local Capacity
District and Regional NY ECLIPSE Leadership Teams
Each school district and BOCES have selected and will continue to support and maintain individual NY ECLIPSE leadership teams committed to address and sustain a systemic approach to enhancing a coherent science education program. Each district and BOCES has committed to provide opportunities and support for team members to attend the scheduled NY ECLIPSE professional development events. Team members consist of stakeholders in science education that demonstrate collective skills, commitment, and credibility to lead and sustain a district-wide, regional, and community supported initiative for "renewal" of science education. Selection criteria for team members focused on the individual's potential, determination, expertise and leadership in science education. Each NY ECLIPSE Leadership Team includes the following representation:
- District-Level/Regional-Level Administrator: Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, or Director of Education
- District-Level/Regional-Level Curriculum Coordinator: Science Coordinator, Principal or Assistant Principal for Science
- District-Level/Regional-Level Director of Professional Development: Standards, Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Leadership
- Science Teacher Leaders: teachers representing PreK-6 and 7-12
- Instructional Support Specialist in Special Education or Specialist in English Language Learners
- Higher Education Representative: Science Educator or Education Outreach Contact
- USNY Partner Representative: Science Center, Local Libraries, Museum Partners
- Community Leader/ Professional Organization/Association in Science Representative: Executive Committee, Professional Development Specialist, Civic Leader, Professional Organizations in Science
- Business and Industry Partner: Scientist, Engineer, Senior Manager, or Education Outreach Contact