New Report on a Professional Development Program for Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Curricula

 

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recently reviewed the research on an intervention designed to improve student outcomes in science. Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) is a program that aims to build the capacity of schools and districts to implement an inquiry-based approach to science instruction to improve student achievement. The WWC review of LASER focused on students in grades 3 to 8. The results are summarized in an intervention report released today by the Institute of Education Sciences. When participating in LASER, school or district teams attend leadership development institutes to plan the implementation of inquiry-based science curricula. These school or district teams receive support for key aspects of implementation such as professional development for teachers, access to instructional materials, and support for selecting appropriate assessments. LASER also helps schools and districts partner with scientists, science educators, and local business and community leaders who can promote and further support the implementation of inquiry-based science instruction. Based on the research, the WWC found that LASER has no discernible effects on general science achievement. The WWC based its conclusion on its review of the one study of LASER that met WWC standards. The study sample included 6,291 students in grades 3 to 8 in 116 elementary and middle schools in 16 districts across 3 states. Read the full LASER intervention report and learn more about the study that contributed to this report. To see other WWC reports, visit whatworks.ed.gov.