The Supporting Student Sensemaking with Equitable Discourse module is intended to provide guidance in the successful facilitation of equitable academic discourse, supporting the three-dimensional student learning called for in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science.

Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) science program consultants will be offering a virtual workshop for participants to take part in a brand new professional learning module. This virtual workshop offers an opportunity for K-12 science educators to engage with one another as learners and practitioners, considering how to support student sensemaking with equitable discourse.

During this professional learning workshop, participants will:

  • Develop strategies to establish a learning environment where all students have equitable access and opportunity to learn through discourse;
  • Build a collaborative understanding of equitable academic discourse that supports student sensemaking;
  • Examine why we should use equitable academic discourse in the science classroom;
  • Explore how both teachers and students contribute to equitable academic discourse; and 
  • Participate in intentional planning for equitable academic discourse. 

The workshop will consist of four sessions. Each session will consist of a two-hour synchronous virtual session paired with asynchronous opportunities between each session. It is important that participants are committed to attending all four sessions since each session builds upon one another.

This workshop will require active participation and will engage participants in an adult learning experience symmetrical to the classroom experience using an high quality open educational resource. Partakers in this workshop will be asked to contribute to small group discussions in breakout rooms and whole group discussions. In addition, the asynchronous opportunities will consist of required readings and tasks preparing for the next session.

Sign up by visiting the Supporting Student Sensemaking with Equitable Discourse Virtual Workshop Registration Form.

Webinar Dates and Times

  1. Monday, July 22 from 10 a.m – noon ET
  2. Tuesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. – noon ET
  3. Wednesday, July 24 from 10 a.m. – noon ET
  4. Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m. – noon ET