NGSS Certification Programs for Science and Equity

UCISP offers three online certification programs for science educators and teacher leaders. Join a cohort of teachers to deconstruct the NGSS framework while engaging in research-based practices to continue building your capacity as an equity and justice-centered educator.

Meet the UCI Science Project Team!

Program Overview

NGSS Certification Program (Tier 1)

This program will support science teachers and leaders in foundational understanding about and implementation of the NGSS. Teachers will develop an understanding of how students learn to deconstruct the NGSS. They will also center instruction around sense-making to align to the next-gen science standards. Teachers will also leverage the NGSS to support every student as equity centered educators. Teachers are eligible to purchase 2 quarter units upon completion of the program through UCI Division of Continuing Education. District teams are highly encouraged to attend together to strengthen relationships and capacity for science departments.

District Purchase Orders are accepted. Please contact us at scienceproject@uci.edu to inquiry about flexible scheduling to fit your site schedule or submit Purchase Orders.

Are you a teacher or teacher leader looking to bring this program to your school? Download this flyer to send to your admin. or district contact for support: Click Here to View Flyer

NGSS Certification Program (Tier 2)

This online program will support intermediate level K-12 science teachers and leaders in their understanding and enactment of the NGSS. Teachers will deconstruct equity for justice centered practices in the NGSS to provide culturally relevant, responsive, rigorous, and accessible science experiences to every student. Teachers will also critically examine and evaluate lessons and curricula to transform science learning experiences for their own students.

In Tier 2, participants will engage in a critical analysis of teaching and curricula to address equity by design, learn more about how to support special populations in the classroom, and develop a deeper understanding of culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy (CRRP) through the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

NGSS Certification Program (Tier 3)

This online program will support advanced level K-12 science teachers and leaders in their understanding and enactment of the NGSS. Teachers will deconstruct the science and engineering practices in the NGSS by doing a deep dive into assessments for learning and experimental lab design using various curricula examples. Building teachers’ capacity to support students as future sustainability leaders, this program looks critically at how to effectively create and implement different forms of assessment and labs that position students as capable contributors to STEM fields.

In Tier 3, teachers will critically examine and evaluate different forms of assessments and lab experiments to gauge students’ depth of knowledge. Teachers will also receive support in refining their own assessments and labs to reflect NGSS and a review of where it fits in their current storylines or instructional segments. Teachers will also continue to explore equity for justice centered teaching practices using culturally relevant environmental issues to support students as community change agents.

Coming soon!

NGSS Certification Hybrid Program

(Tier 1) – Foundations

“It was cool to see NGSS through a different, refreshed, and relevant lens. I’m looking forward to learning more about how else to manage the shift to NGSS, but specifically unpacking the PEs, SEPs, and CCCs and how it affects teaching with cultural relevance and socio-emotional learning.”

Irvine Unified School District program participant

Tier 1 2023-2024 Registration Dates

September 18 - September 29

October 30 - November 10

NGSS Certification Hybrid Program

(Tier 2) – Intermediate

Tier 2 2023-2024 Registration Dates

October 16 - October 27

January 8 - January 24

We can’t wait to learn with you!