In 1998 with the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation support, the Westminster School District developed an aligned K-8 hands-on and inquiry-based science program to improve student performance in science. The success of this program has insured::

• students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful, life-long learners
• educators are leaders in their profession
• administrators and the community are dedicated to providing an environment that fosters growth and on-going success

Prior to being a Beckman District, the teachers in the Westminster School District had limited materials to teach science. Teachers were dependent on textbooks to deliver science instruction. Very few science investigations took place in the classroom. Now eleven years later, 96% of our teachers have attended science professional development and are engaging students in the active learning of science concepts and processes. When science lessons are taught, you can hear excited voices filter into the hallways. Students are actively engaged in the “doing” and “learning” of science. 

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS

Science Curriculum –All teachers have access to an integrated, standards-based science curriculum that encourages student inquiry and provides thoughtful hands-on experiences. Each student is given the opportunity to learn three in-depth science units covering the earth, life, and physical science standards. 

ScienceWorks Consortium–In collaboration with the Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach City School Districts, we harness our resources and share the expenses to sustain a high quality hands-on science program. 

Materials Resource Center–Science curriculum and materials are purchased and maintained through district staff and funding. The ScienceWorks Materials Resource Center services over 38,000 students and approximately 1,400 teachers.

Professional Development –Teachers participate in courses related to instructional materials usage, effective inquiry, assessment practices and science content on a regular basis. Lead science teachers at each school site are science coaches that provide on-going classroom assistance.

Assessment –Informal and formal comprehensive assessments are reviewed by administrators, principals and teachers to evaluate program effectiveness. Science note-booking is an integral part of daily assessment and student self reflection.

Community Involvement –Meaningful relationships with community organizations have been built to support science.

Elements required for Continued Success ~C.A.R.E.

Communication  – We need everyone to carry our message that science education is critical to the economic, environmental, and social realities of our nation.

Advocates – We need parents, businessmen, community leaders, teachers, and administrators to be vocal advocates for quality science education.

Resources – We need additional funding to support and sustain inquiry based science instruction.

Excellence – We need your support to ensure our science program continues to be a program of excellence.