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Illinois Law Eases District Funding Rules

Inquiry-based science curriculum programs now more accessible to educators

Nashua, NH, October 19, 2004-The Illinois Textbook Loan Program (ITLP) provides Illinois schools equal access to science textbooks and hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum materials. Previously, local school districts in Illinois had the burden of using their own funds to purchase hands-on, inquiry-based science curriculum materials. The law goes into effect for the 2005-2006 school year.

Schools currently using hands-on inquiry-based materials, such as Chicago Public Schools, Elgin Public School District U-46, and Glenview Public School District U-34 will save from their local budgets by accessing ITLP funds. And schools that couldn't afford to purchase hands-on inquiry-based materials to begin with will now have the opportunity to do so.

Key proponents of this instrumental law include Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D) 4 th district, Representative Calvin Giles (D) 8 th district, Senator Dan Cronin (R) 21 st district and Senator Terry Link (D) district 30.

Dr. Lawrence Lowery, a noted researcher of adolescent brain development outlines why access to inquiry-based learning materials is so important. "In today's schools, the way most children learn science is through reading textbooks. Not only does reading about science not fully engage students, but reading always requires a prior knowledge for anyone to fully comprehend what is being read," Dr. Lowery emphasized. "In the case of science, first-hand sensory experiences, followed by appropriate reading materials improve learning significantly."

"This law brings the state of Illinois to the forefront of positive changes in science education," noted Tom Guetling, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Delta Education, a leading publisher of inquiry-based science curriculum. "Proponents of the ITLP recognize that it will broaden teachers access to effective teaching tools."

As the economy in the United States becomes more global in its reach, it has become critical that students be prepared for the increased competition they will face. Limited, one-dimensional science experiences that textbook programs provide cause many students to dismiss the importance of science and take only the minimum science courses required to graduate. Providing strong, hands-on inquiry-based science materials to Illinois schools - and making these resources equally accessible as textbooks - creates an interactive environment of science learning. This in turn creates a strong foundation for all other learning, including reading and math.

FOSS (Full Option Science System) is the leading K-8 inquiry-based elementary science program in the U.S. It was developed under a National Science Foundation grant at the University of California, Berkeley.

Delta Education, LLC ( www.delta-education.com ), a New Hampshire-based company, has been serving educators for more than 30 years by providing the best in K-12 inquiry-based science and math materials and language arts products. Delta Education produces research-based science products, such as FOSS and Delta Science Modules.

Other divisions of Delta Education include Educators Publishing Service ( www.epsbooks.com ), based in Cambridge, Mass., which provides trusted literacy solutions for every child. Their leading products include Explode the Code , Worldly Wise 3000 , Words I Use and S.P.I.R.E. CPO Science ( www.cposcience.com ), based in Peabody, Mass., is a publisher of high-quality, inquiry-based teaching and learning systems for science in grades 6-12, including innovative basal textbook programs that integrate the student text, teacher support material, and hands-on equipment.