Science Program Improvement Review (SPIR)
In this section:
New NSTA Standards-Based Service Will Review School’s Science Instruction Program; Provide Recommendations
NSTA is proud to launch a new professional development initiative that is available to help teachers and administrators assess—then strengthen—the science instruction being provided to their students. The NSTA Science Program Improvement Review (SPIR) is a standards-based strategy that culminates in a comprehensive written assessment of a school’s or district’s science instructional program as well as recommendations for improvement and advancement as needed.
NSTA’s SPIR program is designed to assess a school’s complete science instructional program across all grade levels. NSTA-trained and certified SPIR reviewers will work with the school’s or district’s teachers and administrators to align the science instruction more closely with state and national science standards for teaching, professional development, assessment, content, and program. The first SPIR review teams are heading into school districts across the country this fall.
For a downloadable brochure (PDF), click here. Schools interested in learning more about SPIR are invited to fill out the short inquiry form or contact Wendy Binder at wbinder@nsta.org or by calling 703-312-9390.
Not sure if your school or district is ready for a SPIR? Click here.
NSTA Science Program Improvement Review (SPIR)
SPIR assessments are conducted on-site, where reviewers collect information through classroom observations, interviews, review of the curriculum, review of instructional materials, and assessment data analysis. Begun by Stephen Henderson and Karen Kidwell as part of their work in assisting Kentucky schools improve science instruction, SPIR has been used by over 200 schools as the basis for developing and implementing a science instructional improvement plan. SPIR has provided a framework for individual school science improvement efforts in both the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) and the Appalachian Mathematics and Science Partnership (AMSP), projects funded by NSF.
How SPIR Works
More than seventy-five nationally recognized science educators attended special training sessions to become certified NSTA reviewers for the SPIR program. Trainees discussed guidelines on conducting a site visit to analyze and review data derived from curricular plans, student achievement, classroom observation, teacher observation, tests, classroom resources, instructional materials, classroom assessments, inservice professional development materials, principal’s feedback, teacher/principal conference impact information, and summative teacher evaluation (at district level). They also worked through the process of structuring and writing confidential reports that contain recommendations for improving and advancing the school’s or district’s science program.
Once engaged to assess a school or district’s science program, the certified SPIR team will spend on average one day at a school site visiting classrooms, examining the school’s documentation and conducting interviews with the principal, teachers, parents, and students. The resulting data is organized around 15 practice-based standards and the instructional program is rated on 6–10 sub-standards for each. The report is confidential and delivered only to the school’s principal. Areas assessed in SPIR are organization, leadership, curriculum, instruction, training and development, school climate, evaluation, and assessment. The school or district receives a comprehensive and annotated report that clearly identifies areas of need and recommendations for improving and advancing student learning opportunities.
Although a typical SPIR is individualized for a school, school district reviews are also conducted and identify “districtwide” issues. Schools are not identified in the data provided to the district office; however, the recommendations establish the basis for districtwide reform.
With the launch of SPIR, NSTA expands its role as a leader in developing comprehensive assessment and professional development service products that will be significant resources for schools and school districts working on improving science education for all students.
Schools interested in learning more about SPIR, are invited to contact Wendy Binder at wbinder@nsta.org or by calling 703-312-9390.
SPIR Reviewers
Interested in becoming a certified NSTA SPIR reviewer? Additional training will be conducted in 2007. Please check our website for updates.