Professional Learning Events
Spring 2021
- Mi-STAR Learning Series
- Mi-STAR Assessment Series
- HB4048 Preparation Workshops for Grades 6-8 Teachers
- Mi-STAR Professional Facilitator Learning training
- Mi-STAR Coach training
- Phase 1 Introduction to the Curriculum for Teachers training
- Mi-STAR Assessment Series
Mi-STAR Learning Series(1).jpg "Valentina Domenici 77 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)")
The Mi-STAR Learning Series provides teachers with access to presentations and discussions via Zoom. A discussion component will follow every presentation so that this activity can promote a sense of community and collaboration among participants. SCECHs are available for these sessions.
Image: Valentina Domenici 77 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Upcoming Events
Register Now! Adapting Mi-STAR Units to Integrate Place-Based Learning,
Wednesday, May 19, 2021 3:30-5 pm
Hear from teachers who have adapted Mi-STAR units to incorporate a place-based project. Learn why place-based education is so powerful, what types of projects can be implemented, how to plan and connect to the unit’s content, and the community and financial resources available. Start planning for next school year’s projects now to get your students excited about science! SCECHs will be available for this session.
Past Events
A Place for Everyone – Exploring student perceptions about who scientists are and what they do, Thursday, April 22, 2021 (view recording and other resources here)
Adapting Classroom Activities to a Digital Format, March 24, 2021 (view recording and other resources here)
Adapting the Modeling Process with Technology, February 24, 2021 (view recording and other resources here)
Mi-STAR AMA (ask me anything), November 19, 2020 (no resources available from this session)
Developing Language for English Learners, October 27, 2020 (view recording and other resources here)
Assessing Students Virtually, October 1, 2020 (view recording and other resources here)
Best Practices in Remote Learning, September 16, 2020 (view recording and other resources here)
Remote Teaching Resources for Mi-STAR Units, August 19, 2020 (view recording and other resources here)
Remote Learning with Mi-STAR: Ideas and Solutions, Part 2, May 7, 2020, (view recording and other resources here)
Remote Learning with Mi-STAR: Ideas and Solutions, Part 1, April 16, 2020 (view recording and other resources here)
Mi-STAR Assessment Series Offered Again This Summer
This popular series of three 2-hour Zoom sessions will be repeated this summer. The series addresses Mi-STAR assessment design, implementation of assessments, and communication of purpose and results to various audiences. Barb McIntyre, Mi-STAR Assessment Team, will engage participants in activities that support a deeper understanding of the Mi-STAR Assessment Package and can be used by PLFs in their work with teachers.Teachers and PLFs will need to register to receive the Zoom meeting link for the sessions. SCECHs are available. PLFs can meet their Refresher Requirement for the 2020-2021 school year by attending the June session. PLFs and Coaches can meet their Refresher Requirement for 2021-2022 by attending the second or third of the two-hour sessions in July and August. Dates for those sessions are pending.
To register: Complete the Assessment Series registration form for Session 1.
Upcoming Session:
Session One: Mi-STAR Assessment Design
June 17, 2021, 9-11 am
What are the features of a 3-dimensional, NGSS-aligned assessment?
How do Mi-STAR Assessments meet the intent of NGSS Standards?In this session, we will explore how Mi-STAR Assessments are designed to meet the Achieve/WestEd Non-Negotiable criteria to support and reinforce student learning goals within each unit. Participants will have an opportunity to systematically analyze assessment tasks using a task screener tool and discuss how to improve tasks to make them more NGSS-aligned.
Past sessions:
Session One: Mi-STAR Assessment Design
February 10, 2021, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
What are the features of a 3-dimensional, NGSS-aligned assessment?
How do Mi-STAR Assessments meet the intent of NGSS Standards?In this session, we will explore how Mi-STAR Assessments are designed to meet the Achieve/WestEd Non-Negotiable criteria to support and reinforce student learning goals within each unit. Participants will have an opportunity to systematically analyze assessment tasks using a task screener tool and discuss how to improve tasks to make them more NGSS-aligned.
Session Two: Classroom Implementation of Mi-STAR Assessments
March 10, 2021, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
How can teachers use Mi-STAR Assessments to support and reinforce all students’ learning?
How can teachers use Mi-STAR Assessments to evaluate and document student learning and make instructional decisions based on results?In this session, we will explore how the Mi-STAR assessment process is an integral part of the instructional model at the unit and lesson level. Participants will have opportunities to participate in activities that support teachers to use assessment tasks to evaluate and document student learning, provide meaningful feedback, and inform instruction.
Session Three: Communication of Purpose of Mi-STAR Assessments to Students, Parents, and Other Stakeholders
April 14, 2021, 3:30 - 5:30 pm
How can educators communicate the purpose and use of Mi-STAR Assessments and results to various audiences?In this session, we will explore ways to communicate the purpose and use of Mi-STAR assessments to students, parents, and administrators to illustrate how NGSS-aligned assessments are a critical part of an effective science education. Participants will have opportunities to participate in activities to develop communication toolkits they can use to encourage buy-in and support from stakeholders.
