What We've Learned

The Science Education PartnershipS, SEPS, Program began as a grassroots organization in the Corvallis, Oregon school district.  In November 1990 Oregon voters passed Measure 5, a property tax limitation measure that placed a cap on the portion of property taxes used to fund schools.  Responsibility for adequate school funding was transferred from local governments to the state government to equalize funding across districts.  This equalization helped some districts in small, rural areas but resulted in budget cuts to many of the urban districts that had previously been allowed to pass local funding measures to support their schools.  As budgets were reduced and teaching positions and programs cut, community scientists and parents stepped in to fill the gap by mobilizing local resources.

Scientists from Oregon State University (OSU) and Hewlett Packard (HP) volunteered their time and expertise to area classrooms.   Drs. Daniel Arp and Russel Meints, OSU, formalized this network by forming SEPS in the early 1990s.  Grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) have provided funding for two part-time program coordinators and a variety of programs designed to promote and strengthen K-12 science education.  Since its inception SEPS has served school districts throughout Oregon and in other states.  SEPS teacher training workshops for middle and high school teachers have drawn participants from throughout the United States.  The Ask-a-Scientist Oracle, an e-mail program that provides answers to science questions from students, teachers and the public, receives questions from throughout the world.  Recently the K-5 science kit program developed in Corvallis has been introduced to several surrounding rural school districts.

While Corvallis is known for its high rate of volunteerism, we believe that other communities can support outreach organizations like ours.  During the last decade we have attempted to provide assistance to science classrooms using volunteers and a modest budget.   We believe that the SEPS model is a workable solution for many communities trying to maintain academic standards in the wake of economic downturns, high unemployment and decreased funding.  This webpage describes some of our most successful programs including suggestions for other communities interested in developing their own outreach organizations.