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Make a Change Grant: Pasco County Schools, Florida

ADI's Make a Change Grant: Transforming Education with ADI Instructional Materials

Overview: The Make a Change Grant is designed to support the adoption and sustained use of ADI instructional materials in schools and districts. The initiative aims to foster major changes in teaching and learning in science, mathematics, or engineering while establishing a lasting infrastructure for continued improvement.

2023 Report, Pasco County Schools, Florida

Project: Pasco Investigates - Pasco County School

Overview:

Pasco County School's "Pasco Investigates" project has made significant strides in its first year of implementing ADI kits in middle school science classes. Despite some delays and unfinished activities, the project has laid a strong foundation for future success.

Key Highlights:

1. Curriculum Integration:

  • Successfully embedded ADI kits with how-to videos, materials setup guides, and guiding questions into MyLearning/Canvas courses.
  • Ongoing curriculum revisions and development of comprehensive student and teacher guides for the 2024-2025 school year.

2. Professional Development:

  • Monthly coaches' meetings focused on the science and engineering practices related to the kits.
  • Quarterly professional development (PD) sessions for new teachers.
  • Upcoming professional learning sessions on ADI kits and SEPs in June, July, and August 2024.
  • Planned full-day launch of new student and teacher guides at District PD Day in August 2024.

3. Increased Engagement:

  • Significant increase in the usage of MyLearning student-facing courses, driven by the strategic placement of ADI curriculum.
  • Higher expenditure of consumable supplies, indicating increased hands-on activity usage in classrooms.

4. New Teacher Support:

  • Quarterly PD sessions for new teachers across the district, fostering connections and addressing instructional needs.
  • Increased discussions and feedback on the implementation of hands-on activities.

5. Branding and Communication:

  • Continued branding from the successful elementary implementation of Pasco Investigates.
  • Regular updates to senior staff, assistant superintendents, and instructional directors through data briefs and newsletters.
  • Presentation of project progress at the October 2023 FASS conference, with a commitment to provide further updates in October 2024.
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Pasco County Schools

Observed Changes and Impact:

The project has led to increased engagement with MyLearning courses and better utilization of consumable materials. New teacher PD sessions have facilitated meaningful connections and provided valuable feedback for curriculum development. Overall, the changes contribute to more meaningful, rigorous, and equitable student learning experiences.

Dissemination Efforts:

Information about the Pasco Investigates kits and their impact has been shared widely through quarterly data briefs, teacher newsletters, and presentations at conferences. This communication strategy has helped build buy-in and bridge connections between elementary and middle school implementations.

Conclusion:

The Pasco Investigates project has had a successful start, with ongoing efforts to refine and expand the curriculum and professional development opportunities. The focus remains on enhancing the educational experience for both students and teachers, with continued progress expected in the coming year.

Learn More about the Make a Change Grant