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Welcome to the FAQ page. This is where you will find the answers to "frequently asked questions".
KITES
The "Kits in Teaching Elementary Science" Program
- What is the "KITES" Program all about?
- How do you know that kit-based science instruction is better than traditional science instruction?
- How can I be sure if KITES is for my school?
- Can my school particpate in KITES, even if we are not a member of the East Bay Collaborative?
- What does my school need to do to get involved?
KITES
What is the "KITES" Program all about?
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"KITES" is the name we have given to our East Bay Collaborative K-6 Science
Curriculum. It stands for "Kits in Teaching Elementary Science". In 1994, the East
Bay Educational Collaborative received a $5M grant to initiate science reform in grades K-6.
Our reform model is based on the premise that 5 areas must be addressed:
top-notch standards-based curriculum materials, a system of replenishment and
delivery to teachers, an on-going program of professional development, a way to
assess the program and its effectiveness with students, and a program to build
community and administrative support. The
KITES curriculum
is based on the use of science curriculum materials in the form of kits that
were developed through funding from the national Science Foundation supporting
national standards for science. There are programs like ours happening all
across the country.
Return to top How do you know that kit-based science instruction is better than traditional science instruction?
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A great deal of research has come out in the past 5 years that supports
higher student scores on standardized tests in science for kids who are engaged
in this kind of science. In addition, scores for student go up dramatically in
reading, writing and math when science is taught this way in an integrated
fashion. See Mike Klentchy's
report on his results in
El Centro, CA as well as the data from Pittsburg's
ASSET Program.
Return to top How can I be sure if KITES is for my school?
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The KITES Program is part of a national movement that supports an
inquiry-centered approach to learning science. There is a great deal of research
that suggests that student achievement is enhanced with this kind of program. In
addition, the connection is being made between improved reading and writing
scores of students who engage in inqury science experiences where thse skills
are emphasized. The El
Centro data supports this claim.
Return to top Can my school particpate in KITES, even if we are not a member of the East Bay Collaborative?Yes,schools are calling all the time to see how they can participate. Call (401) 245-4998 ext 315 Return to top What does my school need to do to get involved?Schools usually start by trying out kits with a few teachers to see if it's for them. We can help with orientations for teachers, administrators and parents. Return to top
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