About CRS

Our Unique Approach

CRS is a one-of-a-kind organization.

CRS is an independent non-profit that uses dynamic, powerful, information resources to assist formal and informal educators. Other organizations provide teachers with professional development in science, or networking, or classroom volunteers. CRS provides a free, "one-stop," personal service for teachers trying to meet the stringent, time-consuming demands of today's elementary classroom.

CRS presents a new model for bringing resources to public schools.

• Teachers say they need help integrating science into the curriculum: CRS provides practical tools and training for individual teachers and the whole faculty at a school to help them plan integrated, hands-on approaches that use science as a springboard for getting kids engaged in learning across the curriculum.
• Teachers say they don't have time or resources to schedule field trips or bring programs to their classrooms: CRS provides first the information to choose among the myriad available resources, and then provides logistical services to make reservations, find materials, or locate grant opportunities for teachers.
• Teachers say the resources they need don't exist: CRS advocates in the community to help informal educators be stronger partners for elementary teachers, and to develop resources that fill unmet needs.
• Teachers are looking for people or projects in the community to get involved in their classroom: CRS finds and trains local science professionals to volunteer in classrooms, and connects teachers with organizations, businesses, and service-learning projects that can support their classroom goals.

By saving teachers time and energy, CRS makes it possible for teachers to pursue their plans for long-term change.

Many professional development workshops are intensive, content-focused sessions. CRS offers planning and training time throughout the school year that can help integrate new content into the classroom, and provides on-the-ground, continuous research, information, and logistical support for teachers.

CRS explores new and different approaches to helping teachers teach.

Through its programs, CRS works with teachers to identify and respond to a wide range of individual needs for science teaching support. In workshops with individuals, we respond to each teacher's needs for planning support, and provide directed research to fill teaching support needs. In workshops with whole schools, we provide time and focus for teachers to plan, implement, and reflect on new approaches to science with their colleagues.

CRS helps more teachers use the Bay Area's great resources, including big and small programs,

by helping teachers integrate resources that match grade level, content focus, and special needs into their classroom plans. Without CRS assistance, many of the wonderful programs that support science and environmental education would only reach experienced teachers or those in schools with discretionary funds for classroom enrichment.

CRS builds an entire community's ability to support public elementary education.

CRS marshals energy and science resources in the community to help teachers achieve their classroom goals. By sharing information on currently available resources and needs, CRS helps individuals, businesses, education resources, and community develop resources and support services that really meet teachers' needs.