This March, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) will feature a special strand “Teaching Every Child by Embracing Diversity” at our 2015 National Conference on Science Education, in Chicago, March 12–15. We’re starting with the knowledge that all classrooms are diverse; learners bring a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences to the study of science. So we want to help educators find new ideas and resources for meeting the needs of all students, including English language learners, students with special needs, and those with diverse learning styles and abilities. Successful instructional approaches must address methods, materials, facilities, and partnerships. These sessions will confirm the belief that every student can excel in science.

Sessions organized around this strand include a featured presentation on Thursday, March 12 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM (“Next Generation Science Standards and English Language Learners: The Development of Deep and Generative Practices”) by Aída Walqui (WestEd: San Francisco, CA). Not familiar with Walqui? Check out this interview in Language Magazine, where she discusses Five Principles for Succeeding with Adolescent English Learners. And there will be hundreds more sessions in Chicago to inspire teachers who want every student to have the chance to succeed in science; below is a small sampling so you see what’s in store:

• Aprendamos Juntos! (Let’s Learn Together): Embracing Native Languages in Non-bilingual Classrooms to Build Intermediate Science Literacy in English
• Mixed Media Journaling in the Diverse Science Classroom
• SC-10: STEM for ALL: Practices and Methods that Promote Equal Access to STEM
• A New Movement: Thinking on Your Feet
• Science for Bl(all)ck Children: Making Meaning Through Language and Culture
• Implementing the 3-E Instructional Model to Enhance Science Learning Experiences for Students with Special Needs
• Your Kids Can, Too! Scientific Argumentation for All Students
• Any Time, Any Place, Any Pace Lab Science
• El Club de Padres: Maximize Science Learning for Your Bilingual Students by Promoting a Learning Partnership with Their Parents

Want more? Check out more sessions and other events with the Chicago Session Browser/Personal Scheduler, or take a peek at the online conference preview (pdf). Follow all our conference tweets using #NSTA15, and if you tweet, please feel free to tag us @NSTA so we see it!

The mission of NSTA is to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.

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