K-12 Science Leader Network
Broad and Sustained Reach Across California
In 2016, California restored funding in the state budget for the Exploratorium’s work with science leaders statewide. This renewed role positioned the Exploratorium to leverage its unique assets to support California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) implementation across the state. Over the past four years, we have developed a K–12 Science Leader Network supporting over 800 leaders across California, with 85% of leaders working with Title I schools. These leaders then work with over 80,000 classroom teachers in their home districts to provide millions of California students with standards-aligned, phenomena-based science education.
Professional learning in the K–12 Science Leader Network is focused on leaders actively learning through inquiry-rich activities. It begins with a multi-day core institute, followed by a series of virtual workshops, membership in online communities, and access to high-quality teaching resources.
High-Quality Professional Learning
Participants in the Exploratorium’s K–12 Science Leader Network:
Engage as learners. Develop deeper science content understanding by learning in the ways in which they are being asked to teach.
Focus on phenomena. Investigate hands-on phenomena using the practices scientists use, to make science come alive in the classroom.
Connect to standards. Deepen understanding of the NGSS and make subtle shifts to incorporate science standards into current teaching materials.
Access teacher-tested resources. Gain access to a wealth of teacher-tested science resources—activities, facilitator guides, articles, videos, and more.
Stay connected. Join an online community listserv and topic-based community-of-practice groups.
Share expertise. Participate in sustained and ongoing professional learning, training, and collaboration to rely on throughout their careers.
Leader Testimonials
“Nothing has created as much value as actually knowing what ‘teaching along NGSS standards’ looks like. I haven’t got as much value out of anything outside the Exploratorium. Nothing’s come close. It’s one of the reasons why I keep coming back.”
Eric Cross, 7th Grade Science/Technology Teacher and Grade Level Lead
San Diego, CA
“I feel so fortunate to have found a professional home at the Exploratorium that has supported me throughout every stage of my career.”
Daisy Yeung, Instructional Coach, Sequoia Union High School District
Redwood City, CA
“Because NGSS and Common Core mathematics are all about student-centered sense-making, what better group to get involved with in the world, really [than the Exploratorium], as they are experts in student-centered inquiry.”
Kirk Brown, Director of STEM, San Joaquin County Office of Education
Stockton, CA
Read case studies of science leaders across California: Impact and Leader Profiles (PDF)
Evaluation
Based on an external evaluation by Inverness Research Inc., the Exploratorium’s K–12 Science Leader Network and professional learning consistently earn high ratings for quality and value. Survey results over three years (2018–2020) indicated that the majority of participants (93%) ranked the Exploratorium as higher in quality and value than other professional development activities in which they have participated.
| Exploratorium leadership institutes are— | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High in quality | 98% | 97% | 100% |
| Higher in quality than other science professional development | 95% | 92% | 93% |
| High in value | 99% | 95% | 98% |
| Higher in value than other science professional development | 95% | 90% | 90% |
Evidence also affirms consistent excellence in developing participants’ leadership capacities, including increased confidence, providing a professional community, stronger ties to local science educators, and increased access to leadership opportunities.
| Being part of the Exploratorium K–12 Leadership Network— | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Has made me a better provider of professional development | 98% | 95% | 98% |
| Increases my confidence as a leader | 94% | 91% | 91% |
| Provides an important professional community for me | 91% | 91% | 95% |
| Gives me stronger ties to local science educators | 89% | 87% | 91% |
| Increases access to opportunities for leadership | 86% | 85% | 87% |
Download the External Evaluation Summary Findings (PDF)
Additional Resources
Contact Us
New cohorts are added to the K–12 Science Leader Network a few times per year.
Resources for California Educators
Resources supporting implementation of the California Next Generation Science Standards
For general inquiries or feedback, email us at educators@exploratorium.edu.
CA NGSS Workshop Alumni Resources
Grades K–5: Empowering Regional Teams
Grades 6–12: Connecting Teacher Leaders
