An Evaluation of the Point of Inquiry Curriculum-Based Education Program at Fort Point National Historic Site

Abstract

This study focused on conducting a formal evaluation of Fort Point National Historic Site’s Parks as Classrooms curriculum-based Point of Inquiry program. The Point of Inquiry program was first developed and implemented during the 2009-2010 academic year. Up until this point, there has been no formal evaluation of Point of Inquiry. Through discussions with Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s education specialist and an examination of the park’s 2010 Long Range Interpretive Plan, it was clear that an evaluation of the Point of Inquiry program was necessary. To conduct this evaluation, this study employed a mixed-method approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data from participating teachers regarding their experience with the Point of Inquiry program. This information was used to determine how Point of Inquiry addressed the instructional needs of participating teachers and how the program’s activities addressed California’s current 4th grade Content Standards for History and Social Science, as well as California’s newly adopted 4th grade Common Core Standards for Literacy in Social Studies and History. Data was collected through administering a survey to a sampling of teachers who participated in the program. This survey compared teacher’s instructional needs with the program’s stated goals, as well as rating the program’s activities on their ability to address California’s current education standards. This survey was supplemented by focus group conversations with participating teachers which explored the program’s ability to address California’s newly adopted Common Core Standards and clarified any ambiguous survey responses. Results showed that the Point of Inquiry program is addressing the instructional needs of participating teachers. Similarly, results indicated that the Point of Inquiry program does address California’s current 4th grade Content Standards for History and Social Science, as well as California’s newly adopted 4th grade Common Core Standards for Literacy in Social Studies and History. While these results showed that the program is successful in addressing California education standards and participating teachers’ instructional needs, they also indicated that some modifications are necessary to ensure the full impact of the Point of Inquiry program.