Solutions Oriented Learning Storylines (SOLS) is a state-wide project focusing on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and climate science under Washington State’s Climate Science (ClimeTime) proviso. Pacific Education Institute is one of 16 grantees being supported by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to facilitate climate science professional learning opportunities for K-12 public school educators. 

The Solutions Oriented Learning Storylines (SOLS) project is designed to strengthen teachers’ equitable climate science instruction through locally relevant storylines. 

All storylines include six criteria: 

1. Strategies to work with local tribes to center Indigenous ways of knowing;
2. 3-D NGSS assessment tools to demonstrate student growth;
3. Strategies and tools for formative assessment to strengthen inclusive teacher instruction for all learners;
4. Locally, relevant, place-based topics;
5. Lessons to calculate and implement solutions to draw down greenhouse gases and,
6. Strategies to elevate student voice.

The work is designed to have the following outcomes: 

1. Increased teacher understanding of locally relevant climate science content and research;
2. Increased teacher comfort around, and preparation for implementing culturally responsive practice for diverse student groups (e.g. Indigenous, multilingual learners, English language learners, migrant, rural, students of color);
3. Increased teacher comfort and confidence using formative assessment and equitable instructional approaches to guide instruction and report student growth.