Scheduled and Recent Events

Creating Inclusive Learning Experiences Through Authentic Assessment

Asynchronous Webinar
Length: 2 hours
View Event Video (members only)

This asynchronous session introduces authentic assessment (AA) as a framework for creating inclusive, real-world learning experiences in STEM classrooms. Drawing on educational research and disciplinary examples, participants will explore what makes an assessment “authentic,” how to scaffold inclusive assessment design, and how to respond to common concerns, such as rigor, knowledge retention, and additional grading responsibilities. Attendees will engage with the video, templates, and real authentic examples from across science disciplines.

Speakers:
Aradaryn Marsh, Ph.D. Candidate in Engineering and Science Education
Clemson University

Deena Warid, Undergraduate Student in Biochemistry and Genetics
Clemson University
 

Data for Policy Research: Accessing and Leveraging NWEA’s MAP Growth Science

Rescheduled to Friday, January 16 (see new listing below)

Raíces y Agua: High School Science Teachers Address Water Quality in the Rio Grande Valley Through Culturally Sustaining Environmental STEM Lessons

Friday, December 12 
7 pm – 8:30 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/RaicesyAgua-WaterQualityintheRioGrandeValley

Join LARIG for an interactive webinar featuring a dynamic panel of high school teachers from the Rio Grande Valley who will share their experiences implementing culturally sustaining environmental STEM curricula in response to longstanding water quality issues affecting their communities.

This session showcases innovative approaches to environmental STEM education that honor and sustain Hispanic students' cultural and linguistic assets while addressing critical local environmental challenges.

Participants will: 

• Explore practical strategies for developing culturally sustaining environmental STEM curricula
• Learn about successful teacher-student partnerships in addressing local environmental challenges
• Discover how connecting students' raíces (roots) with scientific inquiry about their agua (water) creates powerful pathways for STEM engagement and environmental stewardship

Hosted by: Latino/a RIG (LARIG)

Primary Organizer and facilitator: Uma Ganesan, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Panelists:

• Evelyn Alejandro, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville, TX
• Beatriz Escobedo, Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Brownsville Independent School District, Brownsville, TX
• Susan De Pau, San Benito High School, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, San Benito, TX
• Selene Becerra, San Benito High School, San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, San Benito, TX

Graduate Student Career Steps Webinar Series #6

Friday, December 26 
2 pm – 3 pm ET / 1 pm – 2 pm CT

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/Career-Steps-Series6

Navigating the transition from graduate studies to a fulfilling career can feel overwhelming. With countless possibilities - academia, industry, government, non-profits, and beyond - graduate students often find themselves uncertain about which path to pursue or how to begin.

The Graduate Student Committee recognizes this challenge and is proud to introduce the Career Steps Webinar Series, an engaging, monthly webinar series designed to illuminate multiple career trajectories, offer practical guidance, and foster meaningful connections within the NARST community.

This webinar series features accomplished PhDs and seasoned NARST members who have traversed the journey you are beginning. By sharing their personal stories - complete with challenges, pivotal moments, and unexpected opportunities - our speakers bring to life the myriad routes to career success.

More than mere inspiration, these sessions provide concrete strategies, resources, and networks you can leverage as you craft your own path. After all, one meaningful connection can be the spark that redefines your career trajectory.

Hosted by: Graduate Student Committee

Primary Organizer: Collins Moga, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

Data for Policy Research: Accessing and Leveraging NWEA’s MAP Growth Science

Rescheduled to Friday, January 16
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET

Registration Link: https://members.narst.org/event/NWEAs-MAP-Growth-Science

Since 2016, NWEA has offered science assessments aligned to the Framework for K–12 Science Education. Administered nationwide to partner schools and districts, MAP Growth Science and End-of-Course Biology assessments now provide longitudinal data for many long-term partner schools.

Join us for this webinar on accessing and using NWEA science data for research.

Learn about MAP Growth Science and End-of-Course Biology exams, the types of data they provide, how to access the data for research, and the kinds of questions the data can help answer.

Speakers:

• Susan M. Kowalski, NWEA
• Susan Berg, NWEA
• Scott Peters, NWEA

Primary Organizer: Susan M. Kowalski, NWEA.org