Science Learning and Leadership in the Middle Grades
Goal:The goal of this project is to renew and sustain the quality of science teaching and learning in MPS middle grades (5-8) classrooms, as measured by (a) the implementation of exemplary curriculum and standards-based instructional practices, (b) the assessed teaching performance, efficacy, and job satisfaction of project participants and the individuals that they mentor, and (c) the assessed performance of middle grades students on MPS and Wisconsin standardized tests.

Description:
This project aims to enhance the quality of science teaching and learning occurring in MPS middle grades classrooms through the development of a cohort of master teacher leaders with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions essential to successfully implement the National Science Education Standards in complex urban contexts. The cohort will serve as leaders in the selection and implementation of exemplary, standards-based science curricula such as the BSCS Middle School Science & Technology Program.

The Science Learning and Leadership cohort will also create school cultures that support science education reform through mentoring of science teachers - peers and pre-service teachers - in the middle grades. Master teachers will model the effective use of standards-based instructional practices in their own classrooms and facilitate the professional development and standards-based practice of other teachers.

This project will establish a one-year professional development program for 30 MPS middle grades science teachers and for 30 UWM pre-service teachers. The MPS teachers will participate in a two-week summer course that addresses:

  • Achieving science literacy through standards-based science education reform.
  • Curriculum evaluation and adaptation through standards-based science education reform.
  • Professional development in mentoring through Educational Testing Services Pathwise Induction Program.
During the academic year, in a three-credit course, MPS teachers will pilot the BSCS Middle School Science & Technology Program and will mentor pre-service teachers to meet the Wisconsin Teaching Standards. The UWM pre-service teachers will participate in some project sessions and will be placed in the teacher leaders classrooms for fieldwork and student teaching experiences. Participants should achieve significant gains in science teaching self-efficacy, standards-based instructional practice, and measured student science achievement in their classrooms.

Funding:
Wisconsin Eisenhower Professional Development Program

Director:
Moreen Carvan

Project Period:
May 2001 - May 2002
 
Retargeting Pixel