Sponsor

Texas A&M University, College Station

Objectives

The research objectives of the Center will focus on the impact of information technologies on (1) how science is done, (2) how science is taught and learned, (3) how the processes and products of learning science can be assessed, and (4) how a community of scholarship in science can be built and networked inclusive of all teachers and students in grades 7-12.

Mission

To fundamentally change the culture and relationships among scientists, educational researchers, and teachers by engaging them in the use of information technology. The Center will bring together scientists, science educators, and technology specialists to (1) design interdisciplinary projects that reflect state-of-the-art scientific and educational research methodologies; (2) implement projects that provide state-of-the-art scientific experiences for individuals aspiring to become national leaders in science education; (3) produce a cadre of doctoral level science leaders; (4) provide a research-rich environment for professional development for science teachers; and (5) contribute to the knowledge base regarding the complex interrelationships that exist among science, education, and technology.

Partners

University of Texas at Austin, Texas Statewide Systemic Initiative, Texas Rural Systemic Initiative, Dallas Urban Systemic Program, Houston Urban Systemic Initiative, San Antonio Urban Systemic Initiative, Texas Collaborative for Excellence in Teacher Preparation, Texas Education Agency Div. Curriculum & Professional Development, Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi, Del Mar College, Ft. Worth Museum of Science, Houston Independent School District (ISD), Beeville ISD, Bryan ISD, Hereford ISD, Navasota ISD, Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund, Texas Business Education Coalition, State Board for Teacher Certification.

Guiding Principles

 The relationship between researchers in science and researchers in education needs to be changed and improved.

Education for Specialists

• (Ed.D.) Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

• (Ph.D.) Degree in Curriculum and Instruction

• Ph.D. in Science Education Leadership

• Ed.D. in Science Education Leadership

• MS in Science Education Leadership

• MA Science Education Leadership

Improving Teacher Preparation and Professional Development

• Information Technology in Science Specialist Certificate

• (M.Ed. and M.S.) Degrees in Curriculum and Instruction

Project Management Plan

Dr. Jane F. Schielack, Associate Professor of Mathematics, will serve as the full-time Project Director. She will be responsible for integrating the professional development strands of the project, programmatic administration, and responding to all NSF requests for annual reports and data.

Project Evaluation Plan

http://its.tamu.edu/Documents/ITS_Center_Evaluation_Plan_Executive_Summary.pdf

Formative Evaluation Plans

N/A

Timeline of Project Activities

Ongoing

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