Workforce Development

Kansas City Science Initiative

 Vision

 All students in the Kansas City region will participate in a rigorous, grade appropriate science curriculum that fosters the development of science literacy through inquiry-based instruction.

Mission

To lay the foundation for development of a competent life sciences workforce equipped with the critical thinking and problem solving skills derived from a quality science education.

Goals

To provide all K-5 teachers with a rigorous, grade appropriate curriculum aligned with local, state and national science standards.

• Professional Development - To provide all K-5 teachers with multiple levels of professional development that enable them to offer exceptional science curriculum instruction.

• Assessment - To develop appropriate vehicles for identifying benchmarks and gathering usable data related to student and teacher performance to ensure desired results are achieved.

• Materials Support - To develop an efficient and cost-effective system to purchase, track, deliver and refurbish science modules.

• Administrative & Community Support - To promote an understanding of the value of this type of programming among all stakeholders and seek monetary and in-kind support for the program from corporations, foundations and other potential funding entities.

Bayer Commitment

Reaffirming its commitment to institute systemic science education reform in the Kansas City community, Bayer Corporation awarded a grant for the Kansas City Science Initiative to provide elementary school students with a quality hands-on science education. The $150,000 grant will enable Kansas City Missouri School District to reach the goal of expanding the science program into all 46 elementary schools. KCALSI is a key partner and will house the program and assist in galvanizing community support.