Science Education Leadership

WisTEP supports the need for teachers to become the next science education leaders in Wisconsin. Through professional organizations like the National Science Teachers Association, the National Biology Teachers Association, the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers, and the Wisconsin Science Education Leadership Association, WisTEP supports teachers that wish to change the educational system for the better for all students.

 

WSELA

The Wisconsin Science Education Leadership Association is a sharing and networking organization of science curriculum coordinators (and equivalent positions) from K-12 schools and school districts. Also participating in WSELA are staff agency representatives from the Department of Public Instruction, post-secondary institutions, science chairs, directors of curriculum and instruction, science coordinators, university faculty and staff, and others involved in teaching science to the K-12 students of Wisconsin.

Meetings are held twice a year, mainly in Madison. Topics of discussion include such issues of common interest as state science standards, professional development funding, state testing programs, laboratory safety issues, etc. The group currently has a mailing list and a listserv of about 50 educators. A nominal registration fee ($20 per meeting) helps offset administrative costs for WSELA.

The mission of WSELA is to...
* Advance principles and practices of effective science education leadership in Wisconsin;
* Build a community of education leaders;
* Influence science education policies and practices;
* Strive to influence policy that will improve science instruction in Wisconsin.

Who should join WSELA?
If you are a Wisconsin science educator responsible for:
* Reforming science education in your school district;
* Implementing exemplary K-12 science education programs;
* Addressing how state and national policies such as P134 licensing, Title II funding, WSAS testing, and ESEA impact programming in your district;
* Promoting strategies and methods for effective K-12 science programs.

Contact Information:
* Kevin Niemi at (608) 262-5480 or kjniemi@wisc.edu


2007-08 WSELA meetings

The fall meeting for WSELA was hosted by the Wisconsin Rapids school district and WRPS science coordinator David Bergerson. Notes from the November 5 meeting are posted.

WSELA/Nov05.07/Notes (pdf download of November 5 meeting notes)

The spring meeting of WSELA was held on March 4, 2008 at WEAC headquarters in Madison. Notes from the meeting as well as associated handouts are posted below. Highlights from our March meeting include our always informative update from Shelley Lee-DPI science consultant, discussions of district Advanced Placement courses, MSP Grant Program--Abdallah Bendada-Title II coordinator for DPI, Madison schools and their mitochondrial DNA project-Andrea Anderson, Learning Targets and Curriculum--Dean Simon-Kimberly District, 21st Century Skills and Liberal Education & America's Promise (LEAP)-Shelley Lee and Kevin Niemi, and other very fruitful discussions as well as a scrumptious lunch.

WSELA/March04.08/Notes (pdf download of March 4 meeting notes)

 

2008-09 WSELA meeting dates

October 7, 2008, location tbd

March 3, 2009, location tbd

Tentative agenda items:

  • DPI update
  • Foundations document from DPI
  • Science classroom safety issues and WSELA position statement draft
  • Gender bias issues and STEM
  • Survey of Enacted Curriculum tool, demonstration and results
  • Science education literature sharing (Bring your most compelling article to share!)

Locations to be determined but mark your calendars. Contact Kevin Niemi for meeting details and more information on WSELA.