Overview
Today, the Target Science teacher network has over 2,000 teachers promoting scientific
thinking for all children. Regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic background, these
teachers believe children should be able to inquire, reason, problem solve and
communicate. Target Science is spearheaded by K-12 teachers whose overarching
mission is to empower all children to be scientific thinkers.
Leadership teams of teachers in East Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, South Central Los
Angeles and North Central Los Angeles are keeping the network and mission of Target
Science alive.
EFFECTIVE TEACHER COLLABORATION
The effectiveness and dedication of teachers engaged in Target Science occur for two
primary reasons:
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1. Teachers take ownership of the program from the start. With the support of LAUSD,
industry, universities and community organizations, teachers examine K-12
instructional needs and develop action plans to meet these needs. Over time teachers
acquired increasing responsibilities for leadership, organization and implementation of
initiatives. As a result, Target Science teachers are self reliant and knowledgeable
science change agents on an intra-school, inter-school and regional basis.
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2. Teachers are reinforcing and amplifying LAUSD-Los Angeles Systemic Initiative (LA-SI) to improve K-12 science instruction. Specifically, Target Science teachers are putting into practice the National Science Education Standards, mandated California Science Framework, and the LAUSD Science Standards. Simultaneously, they are reinforcing the leadership and workshops provided by the LA-SI resource teachers and LA-SI Math/Science/Technology Centers.
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With these LA-SI Centers serving as a structural hub, Target Science teachers have
formed an on-going, evolving and dynamic environment to promote all children
becoming scientific thinkers.
TARGET SCIENCE WORKS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
The combination of creating an on-going and year round environment for:
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K-12 articulation and coordination,
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collaborative teacher decision making, and
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resources and professional development to turn ideas into practice
is resulting in students becoming scientific thinkers.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Target Science teacher network benefits immeasurably from its links with national,
state and local science networks. This includes the Triangle Coalition and the National
Science Foundation, the California Science Project, professional science education
organizations and local universities, and corporations. From funding, instructional
materials, being on the cutting edge of educational reform, accessing the most current science
thinking, Target Science teachers receive a form of support and motivation that enables
them to become agents of change at their school sites.
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Programs are a part of LAEP
Learning Exchange.