Professional Development Services
Institute in Practical Educational Science (IPES)
The Institute in Practical Educational Science (IPES) is a year-long intensive professional development experience for educators to build community and develop foundational skills through systematic building, evaluation, and refinement of classroom assessments. The Institute includes a one-week, in-person summer workshop in Saratoga Springs, NY, followed by mentor-supported asynchronous work and monthly whole-group Zoom meetings throughout the school year.
Testimonials
Read what participants had to say about IPES!
“Of the highest quality. There was a perfect balance between “instruction”, application, collaboration and struggle. I have gone to many workshops where I was just talked at the whole time. Having time to work on my own product actually made it a workshop (i.e. producing something), not just delivery of information.”
IPES participants learn to implement NGSS and NYSSLS science standards by developing practical learning goals as a basis for building valid and reliable performance assessments.
Throughout the year, participants working collaboratively in a Community of Science, will learn to build assessments that enhance curriculum, assessment, instruction and evaluation.
The assessments developed by IPES participants are published under a Creative Commons license and made available for free on the ACASE website for the benefit of other teachers, expanding the Community of Science even further.
FAQs
IPES begins with a one-week, in-person summer workshop in Saratoga Springs, NY. This is followed by mentor-supported asynchronous work and monthly whole-group Zoom meetings throughout the school year.
Current science teachers, instructional coaches, or administrators who are able to have students complete assessments over the course of a school year.
No. Participation in IPES is a commitment by a district or independent school to train their teachers to become educational leaders in their community. The cost to the district or school is $8,000 per participant. This cost is BOCES aidable in NYS. Participating teachers and coaches can receive up to a $5,000 stipend if they meet all program milestones. This is paid in collaboration with the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center.
Interested teachers and administrators can begin the conversation with ACASE using the contact form below.
The first step in becoming a mentor is participating in IPES for a full year. Upon completion of the institute and demonstration of capabilities in practical educational science, graduates may be invited to return as mentors. As mentors, the skills in community building and Practical Educational Science developed in that first year are refined under the supervision of ACASE associates.
Go to NGSSassessment.org.
ACASE 