Apprenticeship into secondary science: Science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts as literacy and assessment tools

Presenter: Mary Starr

Mary Starr, PhD, is currently the Executive Director of the Michigan Math and Science Leadership Network (MMSLN). MMSLN works to support teachers as they implement High-Quality Instructional Materials in Math and Science by creating and providing professional learning and coaching support. Mary has been working in Michigan and nationally in science and math professional learning for years and has been part of the Michigan Disciplinary Literacy Leadership team since the beginning of the work. She is consistently focused on how we can help teachers and students better understand and know they are using the science and engineering practices and crosscutting concepts to move beyond tasks that begin and end with vocabulary and memorization. In 2024, Mary received the Outstanding Leader in Science Education award from the National Science Education Leadership Association. Dr. Starr frequently shares big ideas in elementary science at the National Science Teaching Association national meetings, is a founding member of COESEE, has written a Middle School science series, sits on the state steering committee for OpenSciEd, and travels across the country to work with teachers. Currently she is co-PI on an NSF grant called Learning in Places working with teachers from across the country to co-design outdoor transdisciplinary learning focused on change making.