SEDL (2010)
To support SEDL's "Connecting Kids to Math and Science" Project in four elementary/middle schools.
SEDL seeks to bridge the gap between educational research and practice, drawing from the best of both research evidence and on-the-ground experience to ensure a quality education for all learners. Their work focuses intensively on strengthening academic achievement, particularly among students whose opportunities have been hindered by inadequate services, and conditions associated with poverty, limited English proficiency, race, or disability. SEDL's services include field and policy research, materials development, training and technical assistance, and dissemination; projects range in scope from nationwide to individual schools and school districts. SEDL's current efforts are focused on improving school performance; strengthening teaching and learning in content areas, particularly reading, mathematics, and science; strengthening the quality of afterschool programs; integrating technology into teaching and learning; involving family and community in student learning; and disability research and practice.
KDK-Harman Foundation is supporting SEDL's new pilot project, "Connecting Kids to Math and Science" in two elementary schools (McBee and Norman Elementary Schools) and two middle schools (Ann Richards School and Kealing Magnet School). Connecting Kids to Math and Science will (1) strengthen participating teachers' questioning and instructional skills, (2) improve students' ability to solve science and math problems, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and demonstrate understanding of key math and science concepts, (3) increase students' motivation to continue their studies in math and science, (4) provide technology resources that schools can continue to use for field-based learning activities, and (5) provide a model approach that can be used in other settings. Connecting Kids to Math and Science will offer a set of rich and challenging hands-on experiences in math and science to students in the critical transition period from elementary to middle school.
How SEDL fits with KDK-Harman grantmaking priorities and guidelines: SEDL's current organizational and project goals are in strong alignment with KDK-Harman Foundation's mission in that they are focusing their efforts on integrating technology into teaching and learning, strengthening teaching and learning in content areas, particularly math and science, and improving school performance. Moreover, KDK-Harman Foundation prefers programs that are research-based, proven interventions and that have the ability to be replicated and brought to scale. The grant provides a high leverage opportunity for the instruction to reach well beyond the initial cohort of teachers and students.
