The Excellence in Science Instruction (eSCI) program is a partnership between the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD), five private schools, and a private evaluator (Gargani and Company), and Sacramento Area Science Project (SASP), an educational partnership between UC Davis and Sacramento State University. The project provides professional development in science to approximately 100 elementary school teachers. Thoroughly grounded in research-based strategies, the eSCI program provides a cohesive set of professional development services designed to improve science instruction in 3rd through 5th grades and support science curricula aligned with the California Content Standards, CSTs and SBE-adopted instructional materials.