Partnership To Improve Student Achievement Through Real World Learning In Engineering, Science, Mathematics And Technology

Through a state-sponsored Math-Science Partnership (MSP) program, elementary teachers in New Jersey are receiving professional development in innovative, research-based, science and engineering curricula; classroom-based technical and pedagogical support; and ongoing coaching and mentoring. Two universities, a science center, and a teacher education institution are collaborating on delivering project services to schools. The program is strengthening the science content knowledge of 56 Grade 3-5 teachers in six urban districts in northern New Jersey. Preliminary findings from the pre and post tests of experimental group teachers indicate that participants significantly increased their content knowledge in specific life science topics and concepts involving the engineering design process. A study between the experimental and comparison group of teachers indicated a significant difference between the achievements attained by the two groups. This paper describes the first year of a three-year effort.