Navigating the new STEELS standards
In a significant move to facilitate a seamless transition to the new Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards, the Red Lion Area School District has appointed an implementation coach, developed a robust set of curriculum documents and is actively forging community partnerships. These three pillars form the foundation of the district’s comprehensive strategy to ensure a smooth and effective integration of the updated curriculum.
New STEELS aligned instruction at Red Lion Area School District is partnering teachers and students with local community environmental partnerships to the benefit of students and the community at large. The focus is placed on developing curriculum that promotes experiential learning and fosters community partnership and engagement.
The implementation coach serves as a vital resource for teachers, offering hands-on assistance to help them adapt to the new standards. The support is multifaceted and includes:
-Modeling lessons: The coach demonstrates effective teaching strategies in real classroom settings, providing a practical example for teachers to follow.
-Co-Teaching: By co-teaching alongside educators, the coach provides real-time guidance and collaborative support.
-Curriculum development: The coach assists in updating and creating essential curriculum documents and resource lists to align with the STEELS Standards.
-Professional development: The role includes leading professional development sessions, equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills needed for the new standards.
-Ongoing support: The coach provides continuous, personalized support to address any challenges teachers may face during the transition.
To further bolster this initiative, the district has developed an internal STEELS website for teachers and administrators. This online hub serves as a central repository for resources and information related to the new standards. In addition to teacher support, the district has also provided targeted training to the school board and building principals. A dedicated STEELS walkthrough document was created to help administrators effectively observe and evaluate classroom instruction, ensuring a consistent approach to the new curriculum. The district’s science teachers have also been organized into Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), fostering collaboration and shared learning to navigate the new standards together.
A key component of the STEELS Standards is the integration of real-world experiences. The district is actively forging community partnerships to provide students with meaningful field experiences that go beyond traditional field trips. Our Board of School Directors had the opportunity to participate in one of these experiential learning sessions during their board retreat this past year, and shared that they found it not only informative and engaging, but also enjoyable. These experiences are meticulously designed to directly align with classroom instruction, offering students practical application of the concepts they are learning. This focus on a K-12 progression of learning ensures that students are building upon their knowledge and skills year after year.
The district has also taken steps to update its curriculum using the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework, modifying existing documents to better support the structure of the new STEELS Standards. These proactive measures highlight the district’s commitment to ensuring all students receive a high-quality, relevant science education.