- Academic Content: Intensive and comprehensive, yet applicable,
science content knowledge builds strong and deep foundations in the
subject area of science. We deliver academic science content to over
forty five teachers in twenty schools through a longterm program
consisting of a two summer week institute, evening content sessions,
Saturday seminars, and partnerships with area university and college
faculty.
- Development of Teacher Leadership: A model of
teachers-teaching-teachers is offered for site leaders (2 per
school site), teachers who serve as leaders with retired scientists
(1 per 15 sites), content teachers at institutes (partnerships with
postsecondary faculty), and project leaders (7) who forward the goals
of the project throughout all activities.
- Contracted Service to Low Performing Schools and Districts:
Project work will target schools where student performance is in the
bottom two quintiles (40%) and will consist of fee for service
programs such as TOPS (Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science)
which matches retired scientists with schools, sessions on content,
science and literacy programs, and effective science instruction for
English language learners.
- Partnerships with Low Performing Schools: The DSSP
targets three schools for special services to improve student
achievement in science through professional development for
teachers. Garfield School, Stockton Unified School District (San
Joaquin County); El Nido School, El Nido District (Merced Co); and
California Avenue School, Riverbank Unified School District
(Stanislaus County) receive increased access for teachers in
longterm program, science content, English language learners for
science, science and literacy, and a science program planning session
at each school site.
- Professional Community/Teacher Networks: A mutually vibrant,
supportive network, or learning community has been developed as a
result of project activities, site work, and ongoing evening and
Saturday sessions. The project has multiple opportunities for
involvement both in person and via electronic means.
- Evaluation: Evaluation by the University of the Pacific
is both ongoing and in depth. All the above targets of the project
are investigated both informally and formally in order to get a
broad, yet deep view of project impact. Studies will be shared with
statewide CSMP personnel as well as used to instruct local partners.
This analysis then serves to revise and improve program.
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