The third installment in GSTA's virtual PL series on elementary science and literacy will feature nationally recognized expert Dr. Gina Cervetti. Dr. Cervetti will share her expertise in research and curriculum development focused on using science inquiry to drive literacy learning. To maximize their learning, students need something authentic and relevant to read and write about. Science is the answer! This webinar will help elementary teachers and leaders here in Georgia strengthen science and literacy learning for their students. Join us Tuesday, August 23rd, 5:00-6:00 pm. Registration is free for GSTA members and only $10 for non-members.

Dr. Gina Cervetti from the University of Michigan researches the interface of literacy and content-area learning. She is interested in how inquiry experience in science can provide an authentic and engaging meaning-based context for literacy learning; she also examines the role of sustained engagement in a set of ideas for literacy development; and she is looking into ways to help students bring the tools of inquiry to bear on questions they encounter across the curriculum and outside of school. Dr. Cervetti is also involved in work on academic discourse and vocabulary acquisition in science and on how curriculum materials can best support teachers’ practice and teacher learning. Dr. Cervetti will use her research expertise and her experience working with teachers and students to share how you can use science inquiry to drive literacy learning in your elementary classroom.

"Voices from the Field" Panel on Elementary Science and Literacy 

Stop #2 delivered a lively and informative panel discussion with six Georgia educators who have been immersed in the work of supporting students in both science and literacy learning. Panelists shared their challenges and successes in leveraging science learning to support and enhance early literacy. Panelists discussed strategies for supporting students from birth through 5th grade and specifically addressed students who need additional supports. These educators also shared a wealth of resources. If you missed the session or would like to review the panel's valuable insights, then please check out the recording and slide deck below.

• Session Recording
• Presentation Slides

The first stop on our literacy PL journey was a terrific virtual Q&A June 2nd with Science for Georgia Executive Director, Dr. Amy Sharma, and several of our members. In case you missed the session or would like to review the information, here are several key resources.

• Session Recording (Passcode: $GW0=YTg)
• Presentation Slides (include Dr. Sharma's contact information)
• Science for Georgia's Main Site About HR 650
• Additional Information on Evidence Based Reading

Literacy is critical to the success of every citizen in Georgia, yet we know that a narrow focus on literacy in the early grades can marginalize science learning and leave students with little of substance to read and write about. Science for Georgia (Sci4GA) is a nonprofit organization that works to build a bridge between scientists and the public to advocate for the responsible use of science in public policy. GSTA has partnered with Sci4GA to support their work to improve literacy in Georgia. This is an important opportunity to position science learning as a resource that supports literacy in the early grades rather than science being further marginalized.