Inquiry-based science programs have proven highly successful for closing student achievement gaps, especially when partnered with teaching literacy and mathematics.
In fall 2010, the LANL Foundation launched the Northern New Mexico Inquiry Science Education Consortium (ISEC) as a regional program to improve performance of high-need students in grades K–6.
Four school districts (Española, Mesa Vista, Peñasco, and Santa Fe) have joined the Consortium for the 2010–2011 school year, each making a five-year commitment to bring inquiry science instruction to all K–6 classrooms in their districts. Additional Northern New Mexico school districts will be invited to join the Consortium in subsequent years with the goal of providing inquiry science instruction to the whole region.
Teachers receive ongoing professional development with the inquiry materials and methods of instruction. They are also supported in class by Science Literacy Coaches (SLCs) who teach model lessons, observe lessons and provide feedback, meet with individuals and groups of teachers, and assist in data collection for the on-going ISEC evaluation.
In addition to funding from the LANL Foundation, ISEC has received funding from Los Alamos National Security (LANS) and the United States Department of Education.
Inquiry science programs are highly successful for closing student achievement gaps, especially when partnered with literacy and math.
