If you or your district is implementing the high-quality instructional resource (HQIR), OpenSciEd, we have some news for you!

There is a new free professional learning resource that may be helpful for science teachers, professional learning communities (PLCs), and district leaders throughout early and ongoing implementation.

Starting Strong is a self-guided professional learning experience designed especially for teachers who are beginning OpenSciEd without having had an opportunity to participate in professional learning beforehand. It provides practical, just-in-time support as teachers prepare for and begin their first OpenSciEd unit.

The full experience takes approximately six hours and is divided into short modules that can fit within planning periods, PLC meetings, or department time. Topics include:

  • Preparing for the first unit
  • Launching the anchor phenomenon
  • Facilitating classroom discussions
  • Pacing instruction
  • Preparing for the first assessment

Each module concludes with planning activities that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms.

Two implementation options are available:

  • Solo Implementation: For individual teachers working through the resource independently.
  • Team Implementation: For PLCs, departments, or groups of teachers working through the resource together.

Both options include a one-page facilitation guide and a sample email that school or district leaders can customize for their teachers.

The Starting Strong pathway is free to anyone with an OpenSciEd account and can be accessed here.

Teachers who have already started their first OpenSciEd unit can still benefit from the resource, so it is not too late to jump in. Visit the Starting Strong pathway website for more information.