Restructuring Elementary School Science

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This 5-year, district-wide leadership project is a cooperative effort of Eastern Washington University (EWU) and the Spokane School District No. 81 (SD 81), and involves an extensive program of science education for elementary school teachers to support the district's plan to dramatically restructure the elementary school science curriculum. Each of the 36 district schools and approximately 10 participating private elementary schools will form a school-wide implementation team including the principal, two lead teachers, and members of the school's instructional team. The 92 lead teachers will participate in a 4-week summer institute, follow-up meetings during the academic year, and an additional 2-week institute during a subsequent summer. In addition to serving as resource teachers and members of their school's implementation team, lead teachers will assist project staff in developing and presenting short courses and workshops to support implementation of the science curriculum. A number of different levels and types of short courses will be provided for the approximately 760 classroom teachers, to suit different levels of teacher interest and commitment. This project is appropriate for the Teacher Enhancement Program because of its systemic plan to enhance in a substantive way the science teaching of all K-6 teachers in the Spokane school system. The cost-sharing amount is approximately 76% of the amount requested from NSF.