Center for Advancing Elementary Science through Assessment, Research, and Technology
Challenge
What kinds of science experiences help young students develop the knowledge and thinking skills that they need to succeed in science? With few high-quality assessments available for early elementary students, it is difficult for educators, curriculum developers, and researchers to know how to create learning experiences that support students’ understanding of science.
EDC’s national Center for Advancing Elementary Science through Assessment, Research, and Technology (CAESART) brings together networks of researchers, educators, and policymakers to generate innovative ways to understand young students’ science learning. Serving as a national hub, CAESART is developing new assessments for research use, exploring the effectiveness of an integrated science-literacy curriculum, and applying this knowledge to identify and disseminate evidence-based strategies to improve elementary science education.
Key Activities
CAESART will:
- Review pre-K–5 science assessments and publish the results in a nationally accessible database
- Develop and validate technology-based assessments to capture young students’ science learning
- Examine how an integrated science-literacy curricula affects student outcomes
- Engage educators and district leaders to ensure work addresses key science education issues
- Serve as a national hub and convener focused on elementary science education
Impact
- CAESART will build capacity for research and advance knowledge of what it takes to make high-quality science education accessible for all young learners.
- CAESART will support teachers in empowering elementary school students with a strong foundation in science that sets them up for future success.
