Several recent frameworks and standards groups have called for a change in science technology, mathematics, and engineering (STEM) teacher education and professional development, as well as for changes in teacher certification. Such efforts have resulted in reports that include recommendations for all components of the complex and interacting entities that shape learning and teaching at the classroom level, including state and local education agencies. Recent reports include the National Research Council (NRC) report A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (2012); Conference Board of the Mathematical Sciences (CBMS) report, Mathematical Education of Teachers II (MET II) (2012); and the 2010 NRC report Preparing Teachers: Building Evidence for Sound Policy.
Thus, The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has identified five (5) NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program current grantees to host one-day regional dialogues on Stimulating Research and Innovation for Preservice Education of STEM Teachers in High-Need Schools. From information collected from the regional dialogues and related online surveys and Internet research, AAAS will produce the following:
- A guide for a coherent approach to innovation in science and mathematics pre-service teacher education and leadership development. The development of this guide will include input from leaders in elementary and high schools, state and district education agencies, colleges and universities, and others that recruit, prepare, evaluate and license teachers, as well as current and former Noyce Scholars and Fellows.
- A user friendly online tool with information on existing undergraduate education core concepts and competencies for STEM majors and non-majors and teacher education programs, by STEM disciplines (where possible).
- Online examples of innovations in science and mathematics pre-service teacher education and leadership development programs. These examples will be continually updated with current samples.
The one day dialogues will take place across the country in May and June 2017 at the following times:
West – University of Southern California – May 4
Midwest – University of Nebraska Lincoln – May 21-22
Southeast – Kennesaw State University – June 3
Southwest – University of Texas Arlington – June 7
Northeast – Montclair State University – June 12
Attendees of the dialogues will include key leaders from elementary, middle, and high schools, district and state education agencies, college and universities, and others who recruit, prepare, license and evaluate teachers. Current and former Noyce Scholars and Fellows will also be invited to participate.
Information gathered from the regional dialogues will inform the guide for a coherent approach to innovation in pre-service STEM teacher education and leadership development.
If you wish to provide input and are unable to attend one of the in-person dialogues, you can complete an online survey here before August 31, 2017.
