The CAST Data Institute is designed to assist district teams in looking at and using CAST data and local science data to inform implementation efforts in science. Beginnign in 2026, CAST is a full indicator on the California School Dashboard, maing it increasingly important for districts to examine CAST alongside other sources of evidence to understand student learning and the status of science implementation. 

Districts are invited to bring a team (TOSA/science specialist, administrator, classroom teacher, data coordinator, LCAP coordinator) who will collaborate together to:

• Conduct an analysis of CAST data using structured protocols and processes

• Determine additional data to collect to evaluate status of NGSS implementation

• Develop action steps to further science implementation efforts in science

• Consider LCAP actions to improve student academic performance in science and further NGSS implementation efforts 

The learning and processes used in the CAST Data Institute can be used back in districts to share CAST results, refine science implementation plans, and clearly communicate information to multiple educational partners.

This event will be held in-person.

This multi-day virtual professional learning series will focus on leveraging environmental and data literacy to highlight environmental justice issues. The workshop will connect the CA Content Standards to the California Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&Cs) and is intended for 6-12 grade teachers in any content area.

Meet enthusiastic teachers from across Southern California and identify culturally relevant phenomena or authentic learnign experiences that highlight environmental justice issues and can be explored with data sets during classroom instruction.

A stipend of $1000 will be available to teachers who participate in all of the professional learning sessions and activities, as well as show evidence of classroom implementation.

Substitute costs will be reimbursed for dates your school is in session.

The 2026–27 Content Area Leaders Networked Improvement Community, or NIC, will bring together content leaders who are responsible for designing and facilitating professional learning for educators. Participants will work together around a shared focus of: 

Improving the design and facilitation of professional learning that sticks so that educators are better supported in providing instructional experiences that meet the needs of all learners.

Participants will be paired with an SDCOE coach who will help them to study their own system, use data to better understand current conditions, and develop and implement change ideas that strengthen the impact of professional learning on educator practice and student experience.

Who Should Participate?

This opportunity is designed for content leaders who are responsible for designing and facilitating professional learning for educators. 

Why Participate?

Network community members will strengthen their ability to:

• Design professional learning with a clear improvement aim

• Better understand the systems and conditions that shape educator learning

• Use data to inform decisions and refine change ideas

• Apply improvement science tools and routines

• Learn alongside other leaders working on similar problems of practice

Meeting Format

The NIC will include six in-person learning and planning sessions during the 2026–27 year. Between sessions, participants will engage in action periods to apply their learning and meet with their improvement coach to share progress and receive support as needed.

The CAST Data Institute is designed to assist district teams in looking at and using CAST data and local science data to inform implementation efforts in science. Beginning in 2026, CAST is a full indicator on the California School Dashboard, making it increasingly important for districts to examine CAST alongside other sources of evidence to understand student learning and the status of science implementation.

Districts are invited to bring a team (TOSA/science specialist, administrator, classroom teacher, data coordinator, LCAP coordinator) who will collaborate together to:

• Conduct an analysis of CAST data using structured protocols and processes

• Determine additional data to collect to evaluate status of NGSS implementation

• Develop action steps to further science implementation efforts in science

• Consider LCAP actions to improve student academic performance in science and further NGSS implementation efforts 

The learning and processes used in the CAST Data Institute can be used back in districts to share CAST results, refine science implementation plans, and clearly communicate information to multiple educational partners.

This event will be held in-person.

This exclusive professional learning series is designed for educators who previously participated in the Environmental Literacy Inquiry Cohorts 1 and 2 through the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and San Diego Children and Nature (SDCaN). Continue your environmental literacy inquiry journey by taking learning beyond the classroom and into San Diego County's diverse coastal ecosystems. In partnership with Ocean Connectors, teachers will investigate coastal habitats, observe local wildlife, explore conservation efforts, and experience sensemaking practices that can be brought back to classrooms.

Participants will engage in immersive, field-based learning experiences that deepen their understanding of local ecosystems while strengthening connections between environmental literacy, science, and place-based instruction. 

Throughout the series, educators will:

• Deepen knowledge of coastal and wetland ecosystems.
• Experience field investigations that support science and environmental literacy.
• Explore strategies for engaging students in local environmental stewardship and community-based investigations.
• Build connections with fellow Environmental Literacy Inquiry educators.