NSTA Science Program Improvement Review (SPIR)
SPIR assessments are conducted on-site, where facilitators collect information through classroom observations, interviews, review of the curriculum, review of instructional materials, and assessment data analysis. Begun by Steve Henderson and Karen Kidwell of Henderson’s School Program Improvement Review, SPIR has been used by over 200 schools as the basis for developing and implementing a science instructional improvement plan.
How SPIR Works
Last summer more than a dozen science educators attended a special training session at NSTA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia seeking to become facilitators for the SPIR program. Trainees learned how to conduct a site visit to analyze and review data derived from curricular plans, student achievement, classroom observation, teacher observation, tests, classroom resources, instructional materials, classroom assessments, inservice professional development materials, principal’s feedback, teacher/principal conference impact information, and summative teacher evaluation (at district level). They also learned how to structure and write confidential reports that contain recommendations for improving the school’s science program.
Once engaged to assess a school or district’s science program, the SPIR team—made up of skilled science educators who serve as SPIR “certified reviewers”—--will spend one day at a school site visiting classrooms, examining the school’s documentation and conducting interviews with the principal, teachers, parents, and students. The resulting data is organized around 15 practice-based standards and the instructional program is rated on 6-10 sub-standards for each. The report is confidential and delivered only to the school’s principal. Areas assessed in SPIR are organization, leadership, curriculum, instruction, training and development, school climate, evaluation, and assessment. The school receives a comprehensive and annotated report that clearly identifies areas of need and recommendations for improving student learning opportunities.
Although the SPIR is individualized, and confidential for each school, school districts may receive a district summary identifying “district-wide” issues. Schools are not identified in the data provided to the district office;, however, the recommendations establish the basis for district-wide reform.
With the launch of SPIR, NSTA expands its role as a leader in developing comprehensive assessment and professional development service products that will be significant resources for schools and school districts alike.
Schools interested in learning more about SPIR, are invited to contact Amy Bluestein at Amy_b@nsta.org or by calling 703-312-9227.