- Year 2018
- NSF Noyce Award # 1660724
- First Name Jill
- Last Name Baxter
- Discipline Other: Natural Sciences
- Co-PI(s)
Dean Livelybrooks, University of Oregon, dlivelyb@uoregon.edu; Bryan Rebar, University of Oregon, brebar@cas.uoregon.edu
- Presenters
Dean Livelybrooks, University of Oregon, dlivelyb@uoregon.edu
Need
Mirroring a national trend, Oregon has experienced a teacher shortage in science for the past 5 years. Oregon has a relatively high poverty rate and
low graduation rate compared to the rest of the nation. Diversity in Oregon’s schools is growing along with the number of English Language Learners. The state’s adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (National Research Council, 2013) adds to the challenge of preparing effective science teachers.
Goals
a) A goal is to improve the preparation and numbers of innovative secondary-level science teachers for high need Oregon schools who are able to effectively model authentic research and design practices for all children. b) Key activities include: significant summer research experiences for participants; enrollment as undergraduates in UO College of Education (COE) courses focusing on equity and social justice; financial support for participants to complete their science baccalaureate degrees, scholarships to thence complete the UOTeach Masters degree and teacher licensure program, and mentoring during their initial years of teaching in high need schools.
Approach
The project has been underway for about a year. Strategies include summer undergrad. research participation in seminars focusing on bringing research experiences to teaching, developing an initial understanding of the Next Generation Science Standards, and another seminar aimed at developing participant skills in communication science to broad audiences.
Outcomes
Anticipated outcomes include science teachers with a significant background in research and design, who are able to communicate science to a broad range of audiences, who have a fundamental understanding of NGSS standards, and who are able to engage all K-12 students, thus improving equity of opportunity to pursue STEM career pathways and a sense of social relevance to their future classrooms.
Broader Impacts
Teachers who are recruited and prepared through the ESPRIT Program will be uniquely qualified to take leadership roles in high-need schools serving underrepresented groups, especially ELLs. With their background in scientific research, science teaching preparation, and ESOL training, alumni will have the skills and resources to realize the vision of the Next Generation Science Standards (National Research Council, 2013) by engaging their students in authentic practices of scientists and, as a consequence, will recruit the next generation of scientists in Oregon.
