Context for Planning

The Integrated Science Program went through an extensive University Self-Study in the Fall 2015 semester. It critically analyzed data related to the Student Learning, and Student, Faculty and Program Goals identified in our previous Strategic Plan. During that process, we identified strengths and weaknesses in the Program and targeted key areas for future strategic progress. The objectives identified in the current Strategic Plan for 2016-2020 represent key areas where we feel progress can and must be made in the Program to increase its visibility and continue its excellence in training future science teachers.

Mission

The Integrated Science Program provides rigorous preparation of pre-service teachers and supports optimal professional development for in-service teachers in science content and pedagogy while promoting scholarly excellence in science education. We advocate for the development of a scientifically literate society.

Vision

The Integrated Science Program prepares science teachers for a diverse and changing world. We are dedicated to rigorous and inclusive standards for content knowledge, teaching skills and professional expectations.   The faculty in the Integrated Science Program serves as leaders in science education for our units, university, region, state, nation, and the world.

Value Statement

We value:

• The development of inquisitive and reflective practitioners in science education.
• Rigorous standards for teaching and learning.
• Innovative, inquiry-based teaching practices.
• A collaborative and integrated teaching and learning community.
• Continuous assessment of student outcomes to guide and improve science instruction.
• Access to quality science education for a diverse student population.
• The synergistic relationship of teaching, scholarship, and service.

Strategic Priorities, Outcomes, and Key Objectives

Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.

Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.

• ISCI Objective - Increase the number of high-impact learning experiences available to ISCI students specifically related to science observation, teaching and assessment. This objective aligns with NSTA SPA standards for program certification.

Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.

• ISCI Objective - Diversity of majors increases and curriculum includes diverse perspectives.

Outcome D: Grand Valley supports innovative teaching, learning, integrative scholarly and creative activity, and the use of new technologies.

• ISCI Objective - Target underperforming content, pedagogy and high-impact experience areas for intentional innovative intervention.

 

Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.

Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.

• ISCI Objective - 100% of ISCI faculty are trained in academic advising, and follow the ISCI advising plan.

Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.

• ISCI Objective - To support compliance with NSTA SPA Accreditation standards, increase collaboration with the College of Education and Community Innovation and regional science teachers to support successful Teacher Assisting and Student Teacher placements where ISCI students get practice observing, teaching and assessing science learning.

Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.

• ISCI Objective - Pursue high quality tenure track faculty candidates to keep up with increasing program demands.

 

Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.

Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.

• ISCI Objective - ISCI program enrollment increases through promotion of program excellence to meet the demand for highly qualified science teachers.

Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.

• ISCI Objective - Expand scholarly and high impact experiences for faculty and students in collaboration with RMSC programming.

 

Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.

Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.

• ISCI Objective - Increase the number of ISCI students, faculty and staff nominated for external recognition for accomplishments each year.

Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.

• ISCI Objective - Increase opportunities for students and faculty to participate in diverse, professional community interactions.

Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.

• ISCI Objective - Maintain communication with 100% of ISCI majors and 80% of alumni via email, social media and travel to promote the ISCI Program and track ISCI events and job opportunities.

Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.

• ISCI Objective - Successfully develop an innovative new major in Integrated Science Secondary Education to serve the classroom demands of the region in grades 6-12.