North Carolina Infrastructure for Science Education
(NCISE)
http://www.nc-ise.org/new/index.htm

What is it?
The NCISE is a statewide program designed to help local school systems implement a research-based model for hands-on, inquiry-based teaching that is aligned with national science standards and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

Who sponsors it?
The program is a partnership among the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, three branches of the University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, The American Physical Society, and several corporations. Based on the Science for All Children model developed by the National Science Resources Council, the program was launched in 1998. Several states have successfully implemented this research-based model, which has led to significant improvements in student interest and learning and has helped reduce the achievement gap between minority and non-minority students.

What are its goals?

• Implement inquiry-based science instruction
  
• Increase achievement in science for all students
  
• Help improve the literacy and mathematics skills of all students
  
• Address the needs of all groups identified in the No Child Left Behind legislation

• Curriculum
  • Aligned with the NC Standard course of Study for Science
    
  • Aligned with National Science Education Standards
    
  • Inquiry-based instruction supported by materials developed through National Science Foundation-funded projects
• Student Assessment
  • Student assessment is embedded in inquiry-based instruction
    
  • Student science notebooks are used for assessment
• Professional Development
  • Teachers trained to use kits for guided inquiry instruction
    
  • Science content support for teachers
    
  • Training in to develop a system-level implementation team
• Material Support
  • Materials set up in kits with all materials needed for each module
    
  • Kits are refurbished with new consumables and used by up to four classes per year
• Community and Administrative Support
  • Business, industry, and community members partner to provide financial, volunteer, and in-kind support
    
  • Superintendents, central office staff, principals, teachers, scientists, and school board members are essential partners