Middle school science teachers looking for curricular materials that align with current Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) may want to check out SCALE Science Education, an initiative from Stanford University's Graduate School of Education. SCALE has numerous resources for teachers, from project-based curriculums designed for students in grades 6-8, tips on how to best administer assessments of NGSS learning, professional development opportunities for teachers hoping to improve their craft, and a research portfolio on "performance-based learning." SCALE offers several instructional units for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. Units include a comprehensive teacher's guide, handouts and worksheets for students, and supplementary materials like slides and videos. All the teaching materials are available for free download. The Assessment section offers ways to evaluate students' knowledge without resorting to multiple choice tests. Here, visitors will find information on several initiatives, including the Stanford NGSS Assessment Project, Twig, and SPA-LC. The design of SCALE's teaching resources is guided by their goal to achieve "equitable access and outcomes for all students." SCALE is led by its founder and executive director, Raymond L. Pecheone, and receives support from a variety of academic, nonprofit, and research organizations.
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