Science and Mathematics Achievement from Rural Teachers

Project Title: Science and Mathematics Achievement from Rural Teachers

Project Director: Dr. Linda Plymate

Lead Institution: Missouri State University

Duration of Project: Three years (Cycle-6 is the third and final year for this project)

Grade Level Focus: 4-8

Credit Hours to be Provided: 4 graduate credit hours

Project Summary:

Teams of 4th -8th grade math and science teachers from rural, high-need school districts will participate in a summer institute (2 Saturday and 2 immersion weeks) and a 5 session follow-up sequence for each year of this project (AY 2006-2009). Five objectives will be addressed:

• Increase teacher skills and knowledge base in mathematics (number/operations, geometry, data analysis, algebraic thinking) and science (physical science, earth science, environment) by participating in model lessons and exploring beliefs about the nature of science, math, communication, learning, and assessment.
• Improve inquiry-based instruction by participating in model lessons with follow-up discussions during summer, then teaching inquiry lessons and receiving feedback and coaching from project personnel during academic years. Cooperative-learning and differentiated instruction will be studied.
• Increase instructional decision making from assessment data by participating in dedicated sessions on MAP assessment, and by practicing those decisions during academic years.
• Improve student achievement in math and science by implementing instructional knowledge and skills acquired during project activities.
• Enhance pre-service content and methods courses by incorporating activities and other instruction materials developed for and during the project into those classes.

An integrated problem-based approach will be used to enhance participants' use of inquiry oriented instruction. During the first year of the project, participants will acquire content knowledge and skills within specific Number/Operations and Physical Science GLEs common to both content areas. The content focus of year 2 will be on specific Geometry and Earth Science GLEs, with year 3 extending into geometric and algebraic modeling and analysis for environmental GLEs. Participants will produce and implement at least one curriculum unit each year on the designated math/science GLEs for their grade level. Units will incorporate authentic uses of writing, and include an assessment plan based on higher-order multiple choice, constructed response, and performance events.