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About Us

Starting in the Fall of 2022, thirteen TX districts applied to become part of the Texas Collaborative for Science Innovation (TxCSI). Over the course of the Fall of 2022, each of the TxCSI districts has completed a comprehensive current state analysis of Science teaching and learning. During the second semester of the 2022-23 school year and using the current state analysis, TxCSI districts will revamp their visions for Science and develop action plans for implementing change to prepare for the new Science TEKS. The goal: transformed Science teaching and learning where every student, every day, is DOING Science. 

Leading this project is UPD Consulting; a consulting firm that empowers change leaders in education to transform their organizations into effective, equitable and just systems. Over the last decade, UPD has delivered numerous district network engagements to implement new instructional systems and new curricula.

NextGenScience (NGS) is a project devoted to transforming science teaching, learning, and leadership. Now a part of WestEd, NGS was formerly the science team of Achieve — the nonprofit organization that coordinated the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in 2013. NGS has continued the work of Achieve, partnering with districts and states nationwide.

Our Team

Joel Harris

Project Director, UPD

Sukh Kaur

Project Manager, UPD

Anthony Gordon

Senior Consultant, UPD

Jenny Sarna

Project Director, NexGenScience

Jennifer Childress

Science Review Lead, NexGenScience

Jo Eckerman

Senior Consultant, UPD

Katelyn Houchin

Logistics Coordinator

Jason Graham

Senior Consultant, UPD