It’s Time for Science, and it’s time to talk again about implementing elementary science effectively! Tom talks with the science team from the Syracuse City School District about what they’ve done to successfully implement the FOSS® Program. This well-oiled team is comprised of Science and Technology Director Dr. Dana Corcoran and elementary science instructional coaches Amy MacDonough and Ashley Blood.
Tom and the SCSD team talk about why science education is so important, as is creating a scientifically literate community. The conversation covers learning gaps in the SCSD district and how science instruction is often the most exciting subject for many students. Students who may not see success in school in general can experience success in science.
The discussion moves on to how Dr. Corcoran worked to implement instructional coaches, the need to provide consistency across all schools, and the purpose of bringing in a strong curriculum program. The team discusses the importance of instructional coaches in supporting teachers and securing teacher buy-in.
They continue discussing teacher management and how to help with understanding concepts and breaking them down, as well as making sure new teachers get the support they need. They share their successes with students and how they consistently hear about students who aren’t necessarily successful in other areas becoming engaged with science. Even ESL learners who may not be fluent in English can draw, understand, and explore.
Tom asks the team to dive deeper into how they approach access in the science classroom. They discuss how having access to science can help close the achievement gap in students from different backgrounds. Also mentioned is the importance of sense-making at the end of each lesson to allow kids a collaborative discussion and complete understanding of the phenomenon they just experienced.
Dr. Dana Corcoran is the Science and Technology Director for the Syracuse City School District (SCSD), a role she has been in for the past 10 years. Prior to her current position, Dr. Corcoran served as the Supervisor of Science at OCM BOCES. Her extensive teaching experience includes both middle and high school science. Dr. Corcoran holds a degree in Biology from Utica College, a Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in Science Teaching from Le Moyne College, and both a PhD and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Leadership from Syracuse University. Her academic background and professional journey reflect her deep commitment to education and leadership in science and technology. Dr. Corcoran is also an avid supporter of community engagement and lifelong learning, often participating in local science fairs, mentoring young educators, and staying updated with the latest advancements in science and technology. Throughout her career, Dr. Corcoran has been instrumental in ensuring that all elementary students, from kindergarten through fifth grade, receive comprehensive science programming. She has also been a key leader in the district’s transition to the new New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS).
Amy M. MacDonough is from Syracuse; New York and has been working for the SCSD for 24 years. In the classroom 22 years, this is her 2nd year as an elementary science instructional coach. In her current role she has greatly enjoyed engaging teachers with the FOSS program. As a former student of the SCSD, up to 6th grade, she’s thrilled to be giving back. “It’s so cool to see their students with materials and being engaged with their learning.”
Ashley Blood is an elementary science instructional coach for the SCSD. Prior to this role she was an elementary teacher for ten years both in her home state of Alaska and in Syracuse. She is a passionate science educator, as she sees the incredible benefits to her students.
If you’d like to talk to Dr. Corcoran, she’s graciously offered to be available: DCorcoran@scsd.us
If you’d like to learn more about Professional Development opportunities through School Specialty, contact our Director of Professional Learning, Rene Baker at Rene.Baker@schoolspecialty.com.
This month, we’re offering a free download of the new FOSS Pathways Access for All chapter! Read more about the chapter and access the download.
It’s Time for Science! To get in touch with us, whether to offer some feedback, ideas for future episodes or reviews, or just to say hi, send us a message at itstimeforscience@schoolspecialty.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Look for School Specialty and FOSS on X and Facebook. It’s Time for Science is produced by School Specialty® and the Full Option Science System™ (FOSS®) at the Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley.
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