University of California, Berkeley (Lawrence Hall of Science)

The Lawrence Hall of Science will improve its capacity to meet the needs of families with children who are English Language Learners (ELLs) by embedding effective practices in science and literacy integration into its public programming. The education of English Language Learners is generally considered the state's greatest educational challenge, and in the San Francisco Bay Area, the primary geographic area served by the Hall, 21 percent of students are ELLs. The project will result in the integration of effective strategies and literacy supports into the museum's three main public programs, and in the creation of a set of design principles that will inform a program and exhibit master planning process. The design principles will be shared with the field with the goal that families of all linguistic backgrounds will be given the opportunity to engage in activities that can support the growth of interest and build a sense of competence in science.