STEELS Experience for K-12 Educators

Full implementation of PA’s Integrated STEELS Academic Standards and revised PSSA Science Testing format began school year 2025-2026. In preparation for transitioning, engage in an immersive experience for the look and feel of the shift in science pedagogy for all administrators and educators. Take away practices and protocols to begin implementing in your classroom or context the next day.

Audience: K-12 STEELS and STEM and Science Educators, Administrators, Curriculum Directors, Special Education Teachers, Instructional Coaches,  Paraprofessionals, Substitute Teachers

Minimum of 5 participants, per TIU 11 discretion. Cancellations determined the Wednesday before the week of session.

Please bring a laptop or other device, a notebook and writing utensils.

Recommended Prerequisite: read the National Research Council: A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Core Ideas (2012), free download

Here is what your colleagues said:
“I learned the three dimensions of the STEELS standards. How to implement phenomena and use exploratory learning with my students. I have several strategies I can use in class when teaching STEELS standards.”
-High School Science Teacher attendee

"Phenomenon-based learning is one of the core tenets of STEELS standards. Phenomena is more than just an introductory hook of lessons; it can be used to drive student engagement the whole time, as well as promote greater retention of material. We should be focusing more on in depth coverage of material instead of shallow coverage to ""get to everything".
-High School Science Teacher attendee

“Equitable learning is a foundation of the new standards and should be established early in the school year and reinforced. Integrating simulations and technology into the classroom is important to help differentiate the learning.”
-Middle School Science Teacher attendee

“In this session I learned how to make science instruction student driven rather than teacher driven, and allow my students to be in control of their learning.”
-Elementary Teacher attendee

“This experience will directly impact how science is taught in the K-12 classrooms in relation to the new STEELS standards.”
-Elementary Teacher attendee