Oklahoma Science PDI

2009 PDI Application now available.  Application links on this page.

Program Overview

K20 Improving Science Across Oklahoma assists teachers in improving science instruction by providing intensive training in science content and inquiry processes. The Science PDI is administered by the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation and is funded by the Oklahoma State Legislature.
The science PDI is a whole-school initiative that is directed toward teachers within elementary and middle schools who deliver science instruction. The focus of the Science PDI is to build science communities of practice within the larger context of professional learning communities. Science learning teams will be established at each participating school to accomplish the following goals:

• Goal 1: Deepen content knowledge of K-8 science teachers through inquiry-based science experiences
• Goal 2: Explore inquiry instruction methods that encourage critical thinking for conceptual understanding
• Goal 3: Adapt science instruction to include best practices and authentic student assessment
• Goal 4: Integrate technology into science instruction
• Goal 5: Sustain teachers’ content and inquiry experiences through ongoing professional development
• Goal 6: Address diversity and differentiation of instruction
• Goal 7: Create supportive contexts that foster teacher and student learning through leadership development and the creation of professional learning communities

Who: Approximately eight elementary and/or middle schools across Oklahoma are selected annually. An eligible applicant is an Oklahoma K-8 public school with an OK-ACTS trained administrator or one who is willing to attend OK-ACTS training as a part of the PDI. Criteria for application include:

• Districts must be willing to purchase science kit replacement materials for the next year and support science with additional resources.
• Districts are committed to providing sufficient release time for teachers and administrators to attend training.
• Science faculty members support the proposal and its implementation.
• The Science PDI recipient’s administrators and teachers must be willing to participate fully in the K20 science professional development institute activities including summer workshop, monthly PD sessions, Pre-Institute conference, and PDI reflection session in June

What: Funding total per award is based on the number of science teachers in the school. Each participating school receives:

• Summer workshop that includes FOSS Kit training and inquiry pedagogy related to how students learn
• Monthly science and technology professional development during the following school year that is tailored to the individual needs of each school
• FOSS Science Kits at each grade level
• Technology equipment that can be integrated into science instruction
• Stipends and/or substitute reimbursement

How: Interested schools may submit an application to the K20 Center for Educational and Community Renewal. Links to the application are found below in PDF and Word document form.  To submit an application, save the MS Word document to your computer and complete the form as instructed.  Mail the application to the K20 Center with original signatures. 

Link to 2009 PDI Application (PDF)

Link to 2009 PDI Application (MS Word)

Application Deadline: Thursday, April 23, 2009 -

For additional information contact:
Janis Slater - Director Oklahoma Science PDI
jslater@ou.edu
405-325-2683