Mentoring Science Program 2009 MSP Renewable Energy & Sustainability Summer Institute July 13-24, 2009 (Click here for links and more information) Click here for the MSP Academic Year Visits Information Sheet MSP 2009 Summer Institute Video MSP 2008 Summer Institute Video (Windows Media Player is needed to view this video. If you do not have windows media player, click here to download) The MSP (Mentoring Science Program) Learning Project (formerly TEAMS) is made possible through a MSP (Math and Science Partnership) program grant from the Department of Education and is in partnership with Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8. The MSP program is designed to meet important goals associated with the No Child Left Behind Act. MSP programs are designed to partner faculty in science and mathematics disciplines at institutions of higher education with faculty in grades K-12 to improve math and science education. Teachers in the TEAMS program participate in a two-week summer science institute based on various themes, incorporating both science and math. During the academic year, Saint Francis University faculty from the Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics programs visit the schools to implement follow-up activities. The program is assessed by gauging the implementation of professional development activities into K-12 instruction and curriculum in schools. In addition, the performance of students on standardized science tests is assessed in schools whose teachers have participated in the program and compared to student assessment in similar schools whose teachers have not participated in the program. Fifteen school districts in Blair, Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties participate in the TEAMS program. MSP project goals include: - Improving specific higher-level science and math content knowledge among K-12 teachers in order to enhance student achievement.
- Increasing the amount and quality of student writing in science and math by involving K-12 Language Arts and English teachers.
- Improving education professionals’ and pre-service teachers’ understanding of the PA Mathematics and Science Academic Standards
Saint Francis University’s MSP Role and Goals: - Provide the expertise of science faculty for science and mathematics professional development of K-12 teachers
- Consult with school districts to make recommendations for purchases relating to science and mathematics instruction
- Provide school-year professional development for teachers and consultation for science and mathematics instruction by visiting each of the 13 schools during the school year
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