Unlocking Student Success in Science: Five Action Steps for Florida's K-12 School Administrators
By Corey Peloquin
Science education is at the heart of preparing Florida’s students for a competitive and innovative future. From elementary through high school, the foundation laid in our classrooms today shapes tomorrow’s thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders. As K-12 school administrators, your role is pivotal in creating environments where both educators and students can thrive in science learning.
This article will explore key trends in Florida’s science education landscape and outline actionable steps school administrators can take to elevate science performance at their schools.
The State of K-12 Science Education in Florida
Florida has long been recognized for its science standards - FL NGSSS, now FL SASS standards. These standards emphasize critical thinking, hands-on experimentation, and real-world application. However, challenges such as post-pandemic recovery, increasing science teacher shortages, and learning gaps persist, impacting student outcomes.
A key trend is the growing importance of intervention resources that address the unique needs of Florida students. Tools like Penda Science, specifically designed for FL SASS standards for grades 3 through biology, are helping educators provide targeted support. These platforms integrate tech-automation, gamification elements, and standards-based progress tracking, making science engaging and accessible to diverse learners.
For school administrators, the question is clear: How can you leverage these resources and your leadership to improve science performance at your school?
5 Action Steps for Supporting Student Achievement in Science
1. Foster a Culture of High Expectations for Science
Students perform best when science is prioritized as a core subject rather than an afterthought. Set the tone by making science achievement a key pillar of your school’s academic mission. Communicate to teachers, parents/guardians, and students that science is a pathway to future success, whether in college, career, or life.
What you can do:
- Ensure your school’s master schedule includes ample instructional time for science in elementary grades – and protect science instructional time!
- Create a school-wide SSA-prep (for grades 5 and 8) or Biology EOC-prep challenge to inspire healthy competition and rivalry among classes and teachers.
- Use your position, influence, and voice to inspire students and teachers via morning announcements, newsletters, and social media posts by spotlighting science goals, goal progress, student/teacher success stories, challenge/competition winners, etc.
2. Equip Teachers with the Tools and Training They Need
Effective science teaching begins with well-supported educators. Many teachers face challenges in delivering science content due to limited experience, training, or access to resources. As an administrator, you can ensure they have the tools and professional development necessary to succeed.
What you can do:
- Invest in science-specific professional development that focuses on inquiry-based learning and the integration of technology.
- Introduce resources like Penda Science, which provides scaffolded, interactive activities and assessments aligned to Florida standards, helping teachers deliver targeted interventions.
- Encourage teacher collaboration through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on science instruction.
3. Emphasize Hands-On, Inquiry-Based Learning
One of the most significant trends in K-12 science education is a shift toward hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Florida’s standards emphasize not just memorizing facts but applying scientific concepts through experiments, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
What you can do:
- Encourage teachers to use online tools like Penda Science that simulate scientific investigations via online simulations and large, interactive data sets, even in resource-limited classrooms.
- Allocate funds for lab equipment and science supplies so students can engage in meaningful experiments and hands-on learning experiences.
- Advocate for cross-disciplinary STEM initiatives that integrate science with technology, engineering, and math.
4. Utilize Data to Drive Instructional Decisions
Data-driven instruction is key to improving science performance. By leveraging both diagnostic and formative assessment data, administrators and teachers can identify learning gaps and implement timely interventions.
What you can do:
- Monitor science performance trends in state assessments, such as the Florida Statewide Science Assessment and Biology End-of-Course Exam.
- Use intervention platforms like Penda Science to track real-time student progress, identify areas needing improvement, that also assist in filling in learning gaps.
- Support teachers in using diagnostic tools to tailor instruction to meet diverse student needs.
5. Engage Families and the Community
Student success in science is not confined to the classroom. Families and the community play critical roles in fostering curiosity and reinforcing learning at home. As a school leader, you can build partnerships that extend the reach of science education.
What you can do:
- Host science nights where families can participate in experiments and learn about science resources, like Penda Science, that students use in school, which are also available for access at home.
- Partner with local organizations, museums, and businesses to provide students with real-world science experiences, such as field trips or internships.
- Communicate the importance of science learning through newsletters, social media, and parent-teacher conferences.
Why Focus on Science Education Now?
Investing in science education is not just about meeting state standards—it’s about preparing Florida’s students to excel in a fast-evolving world. The demand for STEM-related skills in fields such as healthcare, engineering, and environmental science is skyrocketing. Schools that prioritize science education will equip their students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in these areas.
Conclusion: Your Role as a Science Education Champion
As principals and assistant principals, you have the power to shape the trajectory of science education in your schools. By fostering a culture of high expectations, equipping teachers, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, utilizing data, and engaging the community, you can lead the way in boosting science performance and preparing your students for a bright future.
Resources like Penda Science are here to support your efforts by providing interactive, standard-aligned content that meets the unique needs of Florida students. Together, we can inspire a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders. Let’s embrace the challenge and opportunity of advancing science education in Florida, one student, one classroom, and one school at a time.
Author Bio:
Corey Peloquin began his career as a Florida middle and high school science teacher, earning numerous accolades, including Hillsborough County Science Teacher of the Year and a nomination for the U.S. Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching. He has also served as a 6-12 new teacher mentor and peer evaluator. Corey moved into education technology over ten years ago and has leveraged his expertise in science education, curriculum design, and professional development to support large-scale district implementations and drive student achievement in science. Corey combines his passion for STEM education with leadership in advancing innovative learning solutions. Corey has a BS in marine biology, M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision/Educational Leadership, and holds a STEM Education certification with research distinction from Teachers College, Columbia University (NASA fellowship).
Corey J. Peloquin
813-537-3632
About Penda Science:
Penda Science is a digital science intervention resource hand-crafted for Florida SASS standards for grades 3 through biology. Penda Science supports educators in delivering effective, data-driven instruction and intervention by leveraging automation, brain-based research, and gamification. Penda aligns activities and assessments to your school/district science curriculum guides (scope, sequence, pacing), then auto-assigns and auto-grades activities and assessments, keeping science instruction going no matter the situation and saving teacher’s valuable time. Students love Penda because of the gamification elements – points, leaderboards, customizable avatar, online avatar store, weekly/monthly challenges, digital badges, and SpaceCRAFT – Penda’s collaborative class mission.
Review Florida district impact reports, discover Penda’s standards-based reporting suite, or request an online demo at www.pendalearning.com