RITES Library

From Implementation to Impact: Rhode Island's Five-Year Journey

Abstract

The Rhode Island Technology Enhanced Science project is a five-year effort to improve the quality of science education throughout RI. It does so by providing professional development (PD) and supplementary materials to middle and high school science teachers through a unique PD program. The PD and materials are inquiry-based and technology-rich and are closely aligned with the state mandated Grade Span Expectations (GSEs). Our research and data indicate RITES has been highly successful in reaching its goals. The development of a strong K12 - Higher Education partnership is key to this success. One key finding is that RITES students perform statistically better than their non-RITES peers on the science inquiry section of mandated state standardized tests.