Principles 2 and 3: Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Leadership

In my district the K-4 goal for the last few years has been to develop and implement a solid, consistent K-4 science curriculum. We have done the development piece but have struggled on the implementation- the "every teacher" indicators laid out so well in Principles 2 and 3.

Now, with the renewed focus, thanks to the NGSS, we have renewed possibilities. What are the steps we need to take so that every student K-4 is getting relevant, consistent, and meaningful STEM?   There are many barriers we face - I think the 2 major ones are familiar to all: time and scheduling. Right now what I am seeing is that Common Core Math and ELA initiatives are finding many teachers too busy and stressed to structure the time to consider NGSS. What is needed here is a vision and actions  for NGSS shared by leaders who have the power to implement them school-and district-wide: teacher leaders, administrators, curriculum directors. What's changed this year for me is that I have renewed my focus on building relationships at the teaching/teacher leader  level with anyone who might be interested or not: it began this summer with a per diem around the book K-8 Stem Lesson Essentials. This book gave us a shared focus as teacher leaders and showed us that STEM is a perfect match for elementary teachers who are natural integrators. We are now starting to develop a unit or two that includes STEM, social studies, and ELA. Right now it seems more organic than systemic: attending ELA meetings to highlight an engineering story and what CC strategies could be used with it, planning with the math coach about a math and engineering night for the community, adding a STEM lesson or two to an existing CORE (art, music, phys ed, computer, library) unit. I am having fun doing it and not so worried that science/STEM is not yet a priority here.

I continue to work with my leaders, stay involved, building relationships and asking "what is the vision at our school and district for STEM and the NGSS?" "How can I assist you in creating and implementing a vision?" But I am finding that enlisting others, collaborating, and empowering others towards change by doing it is powerful and fun. We have a long way to go...

My picked quote: "The leader engages teacher teams in discussions and actions that will eliminate the disparities and rigor inconsistencies among the intended curriculum, the implemented curriculum, and the attained curriculum, and ensures that all teachers focus on the disparities" (p. 42)  What is the best way to make this happen for the NGSS in our schools? Your thoughts?