"Only the brave teach."
FIM Science
Focused Instructional Model (FIM) is a research-based Science instructional method developed by the Institute for Excellence in Education (IEE). This systematic process provides students with the opportunity to behave and think like scientists when examining real world phenomena. Students receive repeated exposure to real world problems and examine them through the lens of the engineering practices identified in the Next Generation Science Standards.
FIM integrates the most critical science content with experiences for the students to mimic the practices of real scientists. Teachers use the process to monitor students’ mastery of the content and provide interventions when appropriate. Through this process, students are taught how to use evidence to support their claims and also engage in dialogue with peers and the teacher to help make sense of what happened in the demonstration.
Professional Development
During a two-day workshop, teachers deepen their understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers also explore the social-emotional skills the students must master in order to think creatively and innovatively. After six weeks of implementation teachers return for one day of professional development focused on examining student progress monitoring data and considering instructional implications based on the data analysis.
Coaching
Facilitated by trained coaches, teachers participate in ongoing, job-embedded coaching and support to assist individual teachers with FIM operations in the classroom. FIM coaches model lessons, facilitate data conversations and guide teachers through the challenges of implementation.
Materials
FIM electronic materials: The annual subscription provides teachers with access to the question templates and progress monitoring assessments customized to their school and grade.
