RESEARCH CENTERS

CISTL: Center for Inquiry in Science Teaching and Learning

The St. Louis Center for Inquiry in Science Teaching and Learning (CISTL) focuses on supporting inquiry-based teaching & learning in K-12 science education through professional development and through research/inquiry into science learning & teaching. As one of the Centers for Learning and Teaching funded through the National Science Foundation, CISTL serves as a national model, improving science education through research and researched practice. Unique to the Centers, CISTL focuses on collaboration among various types of institutions that support professional development of science educators, including informal science education institutions, school districts, colleges and universities.

St. Louis Professional Development Schools Collaborative

Washington University participates in the St. Louis Professional Development Schools Collaborative (PDSC). The PDSC is a consortium of eight colleges and universities that have partnerships with twenty-four schools in nine school districts and one private school. The PDSC includes one early childhood center, twelve elementary schools, six middle schools, six high schools, two district-wide partnerships, and a school for the hearing impaired. The partnerships in the St. Louis PDSC have worked together, supporting the work of their colleagues and have made the concept of a "community of learners" a reality. A common denominator among all partnerships is a commitment to action research.