Institute for Systems Biology Programs
Services
The Center for Inquiry Science works with school districts to help them develop a scientific education strategic plan that works for that particular district in thoughtful and integrated ways. In turn, the Center supports the implementation of district plans via contracted services and grant-funded programs.
Customized Professional Development
On an annual basis the Center for Inquiry Science hosted 90+ workshops for upwards of 1000 science educators. These events are often co-led by ISB’s scientists and help teachers enhance their use of standards-based science instructional materials.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Successes
The Center for Inquiry Science recently won the 2010 KCTS Golden Apple Award which honors educational programs and individuals that represent the best in Washington State education. The Center for Inquiry Science created a teacher professional development model entitled “Observing for Evidence of Learning” which has closed the achievement gap for high poverty schools in Seattle. Over a 4-year period, students made gains on the science portion of the state assessment of upwards of 30 percent, closing the achievement gap to the state average.
Challenges
With the success of our Observing for Evidence of Learning and other professional development models, the Center for Inquiry Science has received requests from school districts inside Washington State and out who would like to establish partnerships, but there is a need to first increase capacity for ISB’s education programs.