With decades of experience providing research, evaluation, large-scale data analysis, assessment, technical assistance, and professional development, WestEd supports educational reform that expands innovative learning opportunities for all learners, especially those with diverse interests or facing multiple challenges to success. It aims to identify and disseminate strategies that foster academic achievement, deep engagement in learning, social-emotional development, 21st Century skills, career readiness, postsecondary transitions, and economic self-sufficiency. It also supports the development of systems that enable Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and other industry professionals to engage effectively with education to provide deeper and more authentic learning experiences for students.
Pursuant to a large study in California on “work-based learning”, since 2010 WestEd has committed to developing hands-on, “real world” learning in STEM through the GLOBE program. WestEd focuses on partnership development, research and evaluation, and students' career preparation, and works closely with UC Berkeley to recruit and engage teachers in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, to implement GLOBE protocols, activities, and projects. Through the NASA-funded GLOBE Mission Earth program and other collaborations, it is also spreading the work beyond the Bay Area.
UC Berkeley has been working with WestEd since 2011. They provide educational opportunities to engage K-12 educators and their students in field-based data collection. This combined expertise has been used to expand and deepen scientific understanding in K-12 schools that serve students in STEM.
For more information on our involvement with GLOBE Mission Earth, visit our webpage.
