The bold institutional changes proposed by this project will result in increased capacity
for all partners, sustainability of project outcomes, and ultimately support student
achievement now and into the future. The core partners at all levels - schools, districts,
colleges and universities - will communicate and collaborate to effect systemic, sustainable
change. In addition to the collaboration, both districts and colleges/universities are
expected to effect local changes.
The relevant goal and strategy are indicated parenthetically at the end of each of
the institutional changes described below.
- A research group inclusive of all stakeholders will be established, evaluating programs and student learning, providing continuous feedback to the community colleges, universities, and schools, and contributing to the emerging learning and teaching knowledge base.
- Coherent introductory science content courses and preservice science methods courses grounded in research and standards-based curriculum will prepare highly qualified teachers of science.
- Skilled mentors in partner schools will support practicum students and student teachers, and sustain induction teachers.
- Partner districts will collect and analyze high-quality data to inform continuous school improvement.
- Summer academies for Teacher Leaders will continue to serve the partners and expand to districts outside of the NCOSP, supported by districts funds.
- Districts will maintain and sustain science learning communities providing ongoing content and pedagogy training for all teachers with ESEA funds.
- Intensive recruitment will result in a larger, more diverse teacher workforce.
- Partner districts will have implemented research-based curriculum.
- A qualified teacher able to use that curriculum will teach every grade 3-5 class, and a certified teacher with the appropriate science endorsement will teach every grade 6-10 science class.
- Student progress monitored by examining percentage of student in each of the four levels of proficiency on the state WASL. All students achieve in science and meet or exceed standards on the state science assessment, providing district incentive for continuing to sustain reform model.
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