Science Teachers’ Learning Lab

OUTCOME
All middle and high school students in the Renton School District thought, acted and communicated like scientists and engineers in their science classrooms. The students’ growth is reflected in the district’s tests scores, with 40% more students meeting or exceeding the state’s science standards than a decade ago. This achievement is remarkable for a district like Renton’s where one in two students is from a low-income household.

WHY?
40 middle and high school science teachers participated in a 3-year professional development learning series, over 80 hours per year, to adapt in their instructional materials for the practices of Constructing Scientific Explanations and for Engineering Design Solutions.

WHY?
10 STEM professionals collaborated with teachers, engaging in discussions focused on challenging science concepts to deepen science content knowledge and understanding of scientific practices. STEM Professional had 20+ hours of face-to-face time with teachers per school year.

WHY?
Seattle Public Schools, Renton School District, University of Washington College of Education, and ISB Education all partnered to raise funds then design and lead Professional Development to strengthen teacher practice to support student growth in acting and communicating as young scientists.

WHY?
2 district leaders saw the value in the partnership with UW and ISB to support science teacher professional learning.

WHY?
ISB Education has partnered with the Renton School District since 2008. The leaders in the Renton School District trust ISB Education and have seen the impact that ISB Systems Approach has on their students’ test scores.