Effecting Change at School Level

How can one teacher effect change at school level or beyond? This is an interesting concept to ponder and one that is difficult to achieve in today's climate. Unfortunately, with the current emphasis on reading and math due to the need to receive passing scores on high stakes testing; the "other" subjects tend to fall by the wayside. 

Two weeks ago, my school held a whole school science fair. At that point, the other teachers seemed to rediscover my value and contributions to the school, as everyone came to me for tips and materials. That was fine, and I was pleased to see the overall quality of the projects the classes produced; but I feel as if I have been put back on the shelf again until next year. 

I don't feel that the other teachers downplay the importance of science, they just lack the time to properly devote to it with all the other things that are constantly being put on their plate. 

My district used to have full time "coaches" who came out to help science teachers implement inquiry lessons. Those positions were all cut several years ago. There also used to be specialized professional development on Saturdays including topics for science teachers. Those were also cut. It has become nearly impossible to buy replacement materials for the lab kits, and so on. Is it no wonder that the students don't see science as "important" when the schools apparently don't? 

But this is one of the challenges of working in an impoverished district.  I've noted over the years that our focus seems to be very short sighted, but of course our leaders are responding to public perception. 

For me, what this means is all I can do it to continue to speak up and advocate for science education at the building level; and hope for better days to come.