Project Director: Sherry Schaaf - “Inquiring into Literacy” – Budget Total $9383.21

Proposal Summary: Our proposal involves 5^th through 7^th grade students participating in inquiry-based science while being immersed in activities that support proficient reading literacy.  By using proven reading strategies founded in research and developed by the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) and non-fiction trade books keyed to the science concepts at each targeted grade level, we will translate educational research into classroom practice within the areas of science, reading and informational literacy.  Our innovative approach to literacy through science involves pairing each inquiry activity with the reading of a specific non-fiction book(s) picked for the ability to interest, engage and help students understand the real world.   Teachers trained in PEBC’s literacy strategies will facilitate the use of the chosen books to enhance the reading and literacy skills of students in grades five, six and seven.  We will focus on these grade levels because of our success using the PEBC reading strategies with 6^th and 7^th graders this year; by expanding to include the 5^th grade, we will be able to develop proficient, literate students familiar with the methods already in place at middle school.  By combining the PEBC literacy strategies with our inquiry-based science through the use of non-fiction science books, we will be able to build on the strengths of both learning strategies, enhancing the transition 5^th graders make as they move to middle school.

The use of non-fiction science texts will be both the vehicle and the catalyst for students to gain basic literacy skills.  Using non-fiction science texts, staff trained in literacy strategies will work with the Science Coordinator to train colleagues in collaborative strategies leading to language development through oral and written communication by the use of non-fiction science books.   This partnership will provide a dynamic learning model to help us lead our students toward true science comprehension and reading literacy.