This research analyzed the teacher-directed instruction against the effectiveness of inquiry-based instruction at a subject school in Alabama for 5th grade science and mathematics. The Alabama school changed the science and mathematics curriculum for a period of 3 years and in the process became an Alabama Math, Science and Technology (AMSTI) school. During the process there was extensive professional development for the teachers and their efforts to apply inquiry-based instruction for the science and mathematics subjects. A statistical analysis was done to determine the impact on student advancement. It was seen that there was a significant improvement for many student subgroups when the method of instruction followed inquiry-based techniques.