CSMP

Given competing contextual factors and the emphasis on language arts and mathematics in the K‐2 curriculum, the extent to which professional development can prompt changes in classroom practices in science is unclear. This report investigate this question.

SRI Report 2005 Evaluation of CSP

Rockman et al (REA), a San Francisco-based research and evaluation firm

conducted an evaluation of the Science and Health Education Partnership’s (SEP),

SF Science program. SF Science is SEP's professional learning community (PLC)

program. Launched in 2007, this program provides support for small groups of

teachers from a school site to collaborate to improve science teaching and learning

at their school. Since its inception, 138 teachers from 23 SFUSD elementary or K-8

schools (including charter schools) have participated in the program.

Evidence from previous teacher level evaluations suggested that the SF Science

program had had a profound impact on participating teachers. Funding from the

S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation in 2010-11 provided support for SEP continue the SF

Science program at selected sites so that a systematic evaluation of the program at

the school level could be conducted.

The purpose of this evaluation was, through a case study approach, to identify and

assess the elements of SF Science that promoted any shift in culture surrounding

science teaching and learning at each of three participating school sites. In addition

we analyzed unique factors in place at each school site that were permissive or

instrumental to these shifts taking place.

SRI Report 2005 Evaluation of CSP