Continued: Diverse Pathways
No catch, just results
"(Zenger) told us we could get materials for a science lab, get professional development for our teachers, and it wouldn't cost us anything," says Betsy Elliot, Guinyard's curriculum coordinator. "I asked her, ‘What's the catch?'"
There wasn't one. Guinyard's students loved the new science lab, and several teachers enrolled in professional development courses at South Carolina. The College of Education sent a Ph.D. candidate to help Guinyard refine its science curriculum.
Guinyard students saw their standardized science scores zoom, and their parents showed up in droves to see the school's first-ever science fair projects lining the halls.
Teachers stay, students succeed
Zenger credits the program's grassroots approach.
"This isn't a top-down thing where we come in and tell the schools what they need and then leave. The teachers are telling us what their students need, we help provide it, and that creates an environment where teachers old and new want to stay.
"More importantly, it lays a foundation for student success."