Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the responsibilities of principals and school leaders?
  Principals will need to complete professional development prior to their school receiving the curricular materials. It is imperative that all school leaders support the initiative and understand the implementation of research-developed science instruction.
• Will teachers receive stipends for training?
  This is dependent on grant funding, corporate donations, Title II money and other factors.
• How much will the materials cost?
  Our long-term objective is to provide research-developed inquiry science materials for a price comparable to current textbook fees through sharing materials and large-scale refurbishment. We are working with publishers so there will be little or no cost for materials during the pilot phase. We estimate that the cost will be approximately $20 / student / year for curricular materials and refurbishment after science adoption.
• How will professional development be funded?
  We plan to use a variety of funding options. Schools with Title I funding can opt to use this funding by aligning their school improvement plans with improving performance in science, math and reading. Title IIa funding can be used to fund professional development focused on improving teacher quality and/or helping to provide an equitable distribution of highly qualified teachers. We are also seeking funding from corporations, foundations, grants, etc.
• When will professional development occur?
  Professional development for the pilot will take place in July in each region. Long-term professional development will include intensive summer training, school-year workshops and just-in-time resources.
• Who will lead training?
  Professional development for the pilot will take place in July in each region. Long-term professional development will include intensive summer training, school-year workshops and just-in-time resources.
• Will there be lead teachers in the school?
  After the pilot year, training will be provided for school teacher leaders.
• Will there be specialists / additional resources to help in the classroom?
  After the pilot year, we will work with institutions of higher education as well as practicing scientists to provide specialists who will support teachers on a regular basis. It is also possible that a district would opt to use Title I or Title IIa funds to hire a district specialist.
• Will the newly revised science standards be affected by work on science standards at the federal level?
  The National Academy of Sciences is working on a conceptual framework of core ideas in science that will be completed in October. We have aligned our newly revised science standards with NAEP, which they are using as a guiding document. We incorporated feedback from the College Board Standards for College Success. We do not foresee major changes that will affect implementation of science curriculum.
• Will science textbook adoption process be affected by work on science standards at the federal level?
  No. The work on the conceptual framework for science will not be completed for two years and we will go forward with our science adoption as planned.
• Will a school have enough money to fund the adoption of research-developed curricular materials during the first year even though they don't have 6 years of textbook money?
  Yes. This will work similar to the current process with textbook fees. Money will be paid back over the 6-year period.
• How will the curricular material rotation work with quarterly Acuity testing?
  Acuity testing can be tailored to the content of your curriculum as you are teaching. If districts have any problems using this feature they can contact the Office of Student Assessment at the Indiana Department of Education (chopkins@doe.in.gov).
• To learn more about how you can become an advocate, visit www.indianascience.org or contact Teresa Morris at I-STEM Resource Network, morrist@istemnetwork.org, (765) 494-8093 Direct Line, (765) 494-2757 Main Office