The Vermont Science Initiative: Building Capacity for Literacy in K-12 Science

The overarching goal of the Vermont Science Initiative (VSI) is to achieve scientific literacy among all of our children through improved instruction in science. Scientists and science educators from several of the state's higher education and K-12 institutions, the Vermont Department of Education, Vermont Institutes, and Learning Innovations at WestEd have developed and implemented a series of intensive science learning experiences for K-8 teachers.

The VSI involves teachers in high quality coursework that has a direct impact on their content knowledge and their ability to deliver that content via sound, research-based content-pedagogy and to evaluate student learning through valid local assessments.

Teachers who acquire these skills coupled with leadership will provide Vermont with:

  • A cadre of K-8 classroom teachers with a solid foundation in standards-based science that integrates content, inquiry, and continuous assessment.
  • A cohort of K-8 teacher leaders who will deliver professional development to their colleagues.

Participants in the VSI have two options:

  • For K-8 teachers, a well-established three-year curriculum leading to a Master of Arts in Science Education (Tier 1).
  • For K-8 teachers of science in Vermont, a one-year program of professional development that focuses on mastering science-related content, acquiring science-teaching skills, and improving general teaching practice (Tier 2).