Center for Instructional Support

Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Ambassador Program

Applications are now open for our Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Ambassador train-the-trainer program! DESE is looking for districts to identify SPA Ambassadors to support educators and students within their district to become familiar with Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) assessment practices in support of deeper learning. SPA Ambassadors have the exciting opportunity to join our existing 23-24 SPA Ambassador community and gain the skills and tools needed to lead science assessment literacy trainings for educators in their school/districts. Ambassadors will:

  • experience training modules and adapt the training materials with supporting resources to fit the needs of teachers and students in their districts,
  • connect with other science educators across MA and develop a shared vision of equitable science instruction and assessment practices,
  • become equipped to serve as a resource for the use of the classroom STE performance assessment tasks to inform instruction, and
  • serve as a resource for the new grade 5 & 8 STE MCAS performance tasks.

Proposed program dates for new SPA Ambassadors:

  • June 24 & 25, 2025 (in-person, Worcester, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm)
  • August 12 & 13, 2025 (in-person, Marlborough, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Professional Development Points (PDPs) will be awarded at the completion of the expectations. All program materials will be available after completion of the program. Travel reimbursement and overnight accommodations for participants travelling 50 miles or more will be available. Additional optional professional learning opportunities will be provided during the 2025-26 academic year.

SPA Ambassador Expectations:

  • Attend either the June 24 & 25 or August 12 & 13 training dates. By the end of the training, SPA Ambassadors will adapt their own training materials to bring back to their districts.
  • Prepare and lead a training for educators within their district using DESE-provided materials. Submit in-district training reflection & artifacts to earn PDPs. (e.g., samples of student work from a classroom STE performance assessment with reflections and/or a training agenda with reflections).
  • Attend at least 1 virtual check-in with DESE during the 2025-26 academic year. During these check-ins, SPA Ambassadors will get a chance to reconnect, collaborate, and discuss a problem of practice with other district ambassadors from the previous cohort.
  • Optional: attend additional coaching and/or professional learning opportunities for SPA Ambassadors.

Apply here! Applications close April 18, 2025.

To learn more about the SPA Ambassador program, contact Corrine Steever .

Last Updated: March 24, 2025