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S-Cubed FAQs

How is this program different from other Professional Development programs?

Unlike many PD offerings that tend to be either canned programs (think 8-step process) or focused only on specific methodology (e.g., how to plan a PBL unit), the S-Cubed program differentiates itself in two distinct ways:

  1. The support provided to each school is customized to meet the teachers’ specific needs, goals, and assets. This sustained support includes face-to-face PD, in-person and virtual coaching and instruction, and on-site visits.
  2. The program’s facilitators carefully guide participating schools through an analysis of the North Carolina Science Standards and why Science and Engineering Practices are essential to implementation and student-centered learning.  Next, the participants will experience modeling practice and SEP-centered lessons with the opportunity to analyze the differences between this instruction from more traditional instruction. Finally, facilitators will guide teachers through a unique process of shifting their lessons and provide in-classroom support for that implementation.

Why is this type of program needed now?

As science standards evolve, so do the expectations for student learning. Assessments now focus on the Science and Engineering Practices embedded within the standards.

To prepare students, we must shift from “I have to” classrooms to “I get to” classrooms where learning is engaging, meaningful, and driven by student thinking. This requires moving from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered environments where students actively explore and make sense of science.

The S-Cubed program serves as an antidote to outdated, abstract, and one-size-fits-all approaches. It empowers educators to create inclusive, relevant learning experiences that increase student success both inside and outside the classroom.

What are the program’s objectives and desired outcomes?

  • Participants will start by analyzing the NC Science Standards and exploring why they emphasize Science and Engineering Practices. They will then proceed to identify foundational actions needed to bring classrooms to life through facilitated protocols and expansive modeling practice.
  • Participants will spend time identifying, adapting, and refining innovative teaching and learning best practices that have proven effective for students.
  • Participants will shift traditional lessons to include the new practices to become more student-centric.
  • Participants will identify areas where they can leverage student success and any roadblocks encountered during the NC Science Standards implementation.  Strategies will be provided to address the identified roadblocks, and in-classroom support will be made available.
  • The program will conclude with a reflective protocol that denotes the next steps needed for further shifting.

What does the price include?

  • At least 60 hours of high-quality professional development to help schools investigate and implement the 2023 NC Science Standards.
  • Whole group PD and site-specific PD.
  • Targeted, sustained coaching by experienced facilitators for the 2026-27 academic year 
  • The ability to work in a collaborative network of partner schools in the same cohort.
  • Monthly “just-in-time” virtual coaching
  • Open-source access to all resources (slide decks, rubrics, self-assessments, model lessons, etc.) that are needed to build a collaborative STEM culture.
  • Participating schools are also guaranteed direct service and support from expert facilitators targeted to their specific needs and goals, all at a very competitive total cost compared to typical consulting rates.
  • Facility and parking fees for all training held at the NCSU Science House.
  • Food/snacks for each live PD event in Raleigh. 
  • Workshop supplies during all live events.

Is there funding available to help schools cover the cost of enrollment?

Below is a list of grants available for individual schools to help support their program enrollment fees:

What resources are included?

Participants will have access to various materials during and after the program that are full of resources that can help schools develop and refine their curriculum. All of these materials are open source, allowing participants to revise and adapt them however they wish. NC State University will also provide materials related to current STEM pedagogy and educational research.

Are participating schools required to pay the total amount at the beginning of the school year?

No. Participating schools will be invoiced in late fall 2026, but the amount is not due until December 31, 2026.

Are there additional costs that schools might have to cover?

Schools are responsible for their individual travel costs, such as mileage and hotels, and any necessary substitute teacher fees.

Additional Questions?

Submit a question on this form or contact Marsha Sirkin at 828-719-0550 or mmsirkin@ncsu.edu