Stickers Don't Cut It: The Real Deal on Science Education Reform

ChangED

What did you think of the episode? Send us a text!

The transformation of science education is happening right now in Pennsylvania classrooms, and middle school teacher Tom Leeds is on the frontlines. In this enlightening conversation, Tom pulls back the curtain on the real differences between curriculum that merely displays a STEELS "sticker" versus materials that authentically embody these new science standards.
Tom shares how his classroom dynamics have fundamentally shifted as students move from passive recipients of information to active participants with genuine agency in their learning journey. The results speak volumes – not only are students more engaged with scientific concepts, but behavior problems have decreased significantly. "The kids are talking about science and we can see that they care more," Tom observes, "and that just warms my heart because it's working."
As a PennSEL Network participant, Tom benefits from collaboration with science educators across Pennsylvania, preparing for upcoming changes to state assessments while implementing best practices in his classroom. He offers advice for teachers just beginning to implement STEELS.
Whether you're a veteran science teacher or just beginning your STEELS implementation journey, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest reflections, and the inspiration to take that next step toward transforming your classroom. Listen now to discover how putting students "in a position of power" might revolutionize learning in your own educational setting.

Want to learn more about ChangED? Check out our website at: learn.mciu.org/changed

Chapters

1. Welcome to Change Ed Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Tom's Journey with STEALS Implementation (00:01:24)

3. Student Response to New Standards (00:04:28)

4. Teaching Challenges and Successes (00:06:24)

5. The Pencil Network Impact (00:09:07)

6. Advice for Teachers Starting Out (00:11:21)

7. Remember Your Why (00:13:00)