The Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform (LASER) initiative, launched by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC) in 1998, has the overarching goal of promoting a sustainable, inquiry-based model for kindergarten through Grade 8 science education reform. Key elements of the LASER approach are the implementation of inquiry-based curricula, ongoing professional development, effective program and student assessment, curriculum materials supplied to teachers in ready-to-use condition, and the development of strong administrative and community support. The use of hands-on science kits and inquiry-based pedagogy are hallmarks of the LASER approach.
The Washington State Legislature launched LASER statewide in 1999. Washington State LASER supports annual strategic planning institutes and curriculum showcases and supports a network of LASER alliances that provide the ongoing professional development, materials support, and technical assistance needed to implement inquiry-based science instruction in participating schools. Funding for the regional LASER alliances comes from a combination of state, private, and school district sources. Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Battelle (a nonprofit developer of technology products for scientific and educational purposes), and the Pacific Science Center (a science education center for children located in Seattle) provide the leadership for Washington State LASER.
As part of the researched associated with Washington State LASER, RMC Research is coordinating site visits to 35 school whose staff has participated in a significant amount of LASER professional development to study how schools apply what they learned through LASER. This website is intended for use by the site visit team for submitting the results of theri visit and to have access to the latest version of documents used during the site visits.
Submit Site Visit Results
