Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science
Professional Learning Opportunities
Do you want to self-reflect on areas of strength and growth in your practice as a grade 6 to 8 science and engineering teacher? Do you want to have conversations about what higher-quality science and engineering learning experiences can look and sound like with other educators (teachers, curriculum and instruction staff, administrators)?
Beginning June 2024, ISRY will begin offering FREE, online, interactive, professional learning on the Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science (DoS-MiddLES) framework and observation system, supported with funding from the National Science Foundation (Award #2101554). You will learn how the DoS-MiddLES integrates the Framework for K-12 Science Education and resilience and thriving skills to promote access to higher-quality STE learning experiences for all students.
Learn with us!
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*Live, interactive discussions with groups of 10-15 educators (1 session, up to 2 hours)
*4 sessions will be held on Zoom and facilitated by ISRY during the 2024-2025 school year:
Thinking & Learning in MiddLES classrooms (Weds, August 28, 2024; 12-1:30pm ET)
Planning & Adapting in MiddLES classrooms (Tues, November 19, 2024; 3-4:30pm ET)
Including & Engaging in MiddLES classrooms (Thurs, February 20, 2025; 6-7:30pm ET)
Connecting & Thriving in MiddLES classrooms (Thurs, April 10, 2025; 3-4:30pm ET)
*Want to join one of these sessions OR schedule a group session tailored to your district or organization? Click the "Register Here!" button below and a member of the ISRY team will be in touch with next steps.
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*Self-paced, 6-module online learning series (20-minutes per module) with example classroom videos and self-reflection prompts:
Developing a Common Language for Quality
Thinking & Learning in MiddLES classrooms
Planning & Adapting in MiddLES classrooms
Including & Engaging in MiddLES classrooms
Connecting & Thriving in MiddLES classrooms
Putting Knowledge into Action
*Modules are held on ISRY's online learning platform; you can pause or continue your learning on your own time.
*Want to self-reflect on areas of strength and growth in your teaching practice, through the DoS-MiddLES integrated lens of quality? Click "Register Here!" below to receive instructions for accessing the 6-module series on ISRY's online learning platform.
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*Self-paced (individual) and live (group) components (12-18 hours total)
*Held on ISRY's online training platform (self-paced) and on Zoom (live), beginning in early 2025
*Want to learn how to conduct standardized classroom observations using the DoS-MiddLES system and have the option to complete additional exercises to become a certified observer? Click "Register Here!" below to receive information in Winter 2024 about this opportunity.
What educators have to say about the DoS-MiddLES
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"Observation is the best form of PD... I like that this is not an 'evaluation' tool. It's a 'professional learning' tool."
-Science Instructional Coach
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"You can tell this is a 'for STEM educators, by STEM educators' tool."
-Middle School Science Teacher
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"For science teachers... we're kind of like satellites. We have a lot of support for curriculum and materials, but not always [the lesson] delivery."
-Middle School Science Teacher
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"I appreciate the specificity of the feedback [from DoS]. The examples, concrete ideas, small tweaks."
-Middle School Science Teacher
About the DoS-MiddLES
The Dimensions of Success for Middle Grades Learning Engineering and Science (DoS-MiddLES) project aims to create and implement a sustainable and scalable classroom observation and feedback system for grade 6 to 8 science and engineering classrooms, based on the existing DoS tool initially established for informal science learning settings.
The NEW DoS-MiddLES will align with evidence-based standards for science and engineering; integrate aspects of resilience and thriving skills; center access to science and engineering education for all students; and provide educators with actionable strategies for continuous learning and growth.
Extending the DoS framework to middle schools will support and advance educational practice, enhance research and evaluation infrastructure, and improve the science and engineering education fields. By promoting high-quality science and engineering learning for all students inside and outside of school, the expanded DoS framework will strengthen efforts across sectors and help communities provide the inspiration, knowledge, and skills youth need to thrive in the workforce and in life.
Selected Publications on the DoS System