Brea Olinda Unified School District is one of the smallest unified school districts in Orange County. There are six elementary schools, one junior high, one high school and one continuing education high school. Brea Olinda educates approximately 6,200 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. There are 3,021 students and 130 teachers at the elementary school level.

Brea Olinda first adopted FOSS, an inquiry based science curriculum, in 1995 for our elementary schools. WE understood the importance of an inquiry-based science program as a tool to maximizing student learning and retention of science concepts.

In order to enhance our science curriculum, Brea Olinda joined into a partnership with Beckman@Science during the 2000/2001 school year. Because of our involvement with Beckman, we have been able to further develop and enhance our science programs.

Our relationship with Beckman has enabled our district to evaluate and develop our science programs to align with state standards while maintaining an inquiry learning experience for students. Professional development through Beckman has given 153 elementary teachers the opportunity to receive kit trainings at their assigned grade level, allowing them to impact the science education of over 5,000 students, kindergarten through sixth grade. We have been able to continue to support all grade level kits being housed at the individual school sites, replenishing them just once a year through a district textbook/material coordinator.

We know our students are taking their interest in science with them as they enter secondary school. Brea Junior High School has implemented a two-year science requirement, while Brea Olinda High School has had a three-year science requirement for the last ten years. Evidence of our success is that 85% of high school students fulfilling their graduation requirements also take a fourth year of science.

In Fall 2004, the Brea Education Foundation was formed to actively involve businesses and community members to support and encourage science, technology and fine art education throughout the district. The foundation meets bi-monthly to discuss efforts to provide students the tools and materials needed in order to maintain and advance educational opportunities for all students.

This year, all teachers will participate in a science needs assessment to evaluate their professional development needs in the area of science. Grade level trainings on science kits and supplemental units will be provided for teachers to update their proficiency in teaching science standards.

For information regarding Brea-Olinda's involvement with the Beckman@Science program, please contact Mary Grigoli, Curriculum Instruction Coordinator, BOUSD (714) 528-7475 or mgrigoli@bousd.k12.ca.us.