9254491 Kubota The Washington Initiative in Science Education - Science Teacher Enhancement Project (WISE-STEP) the pilot for a statewide, five- institute, multi-district collaborative project that addresses a pressing challenge- how to align professional development experiences with a systemic change effort that reflects both emerging research on teacher change and empowerment and research on student learning. The project proposes to improve science education through the collaborative efforts of teachers, school and district administrators, scientists, community representatives, and university faculty. Through a series of summer institutes and academic year follow-up activities WISE- STEP will: 1. directly assist approximately 40 teachers to expand their understanding and appreciation of science and to become leaders in their buildings and districts; work with approximately 20 schools in 2 school districts to develop the infrastructure needed to support quality science education in the elementary grades; collaborate with institute participants and school officials on the adoption of high-quality science programs in their districts; and collaborate with other scientists, teachers, and education faculty so that the institute model can be expanded to the entire State of Washington. ***
