When schools and districts across Kentucky are looking for trusted support in implementing OpenSciEd, they do not have to look far. EPIC has been Kentucky's first local Certified Professional Learning Provider for OpenSciEd for three years, bringing nationally recognized expertise to science educators right here in our region.
What Is OpenSciEd?
OpenSciEd is a nonprofit initiative committed to transforming science education through freely available, high-quality curriculum materials for grades K-12. Built on NGSS and the vision of the National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education, OpenSciEd puts students at the center of learning. Rather than presenting science as a collection of facts to memorize, OpenSciEd positions students as curious sense-makers who ask questions, investigate real phenomena, and construct understanding together. The curriculum is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and equitable science programs available today, and it is gaining significant momentum in Kentucky schools.
What Does OpenSciEd Certification Mean?
Becoming a Certified Professional Learning Provider is not automatic or honorary. OpenSciEd carefully vets organizations before placing them on their certified list, requiring demonstrated expertise in the curriculum materials, deep familiarity with the OpenSciEd instructional model, and proven readiness to support both teachers and school systems well. The certification exists because OpenSciEd wants districts to have full confidence that the professional learning they invest in will be high quality and aligned to the program's vision.
EPIC has held this certification for three years, and our work with middle and high school science educators reflects the kind of sustained, relationship-driven support that the certification was designed to represent. You can view EPIC's full profile on the OpenSciEd certified providers list at https://openscied.org/learning-providers/epic/.
A Credential Recognized Beyond Kentucky
EPIC's expertise is also recognized nationally. Rivet Education, a respected resource that helps districts identify and evaluate high-quality instructional materials and professional learning partners, includes EPIC in their Professional Learning Partner Guide with a specific notation of curriculum expertise in OpenSciEd. You can explore that listing at https://riveteducation.org/single-partner/?p=epic. Together, these recognitions reflect a consistent, evidence-based track record that districts can rely on when making decisions about professional learning investments.
What This Means for Your School or District
Science education is at a pivotal moment in Kentucky, as more districts explore or adopt OpenSciEd to meet the demands of the Kentucky Academic Standards for Science. Having a certified, local partner changes what implementation support can look like. EPIC brings regional relationships and knowledge alongside national credentialing, and every professional learning experience we provide is customized to fit your district's specific goals and starting point. Whether your team is in the early stages of exploring OpenSciEd, navigating a full curriculum adoption, or looking to deepen an implementation already underway, EPIC has the experience to meet you where you are.
Let's Connect
If you are a district leader, science coordinator, principal, or educator ready to explore what OpenSciEd support could look like for your school, we would love to have that conversation. Reach out to EPIC at epic@grrec.org to learn more about how we can partner with you to support your educators and strengthen science learning for every student.