Instructional Materials Development
Instructional Materials Development (IMD) projects create instructional materials and student assessments that change classroom instruction, enabling students to acquire a sophisticated understanding of content knowledge, higher-order thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. These materials incorporate investigative, hands-on science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education activities and align with recently developed standards for content, teaching, and assessment. IMD-supported materials promote the success of all students, regardless of background or ability, and promote positive student attitudes toward science, mathematics, and technology. Projects range from the major revision of existing materials to the creation of entirely new ones; from a few modules at a single instructional level to comprehensive curricula for several school years; from a focus on a single topic to the integration of several disciplines; and from assessments embedded in classroom materials to the creation of assessment items and full assessment programs that can be used by districts and states. All projects include comprehensive plans for national dissemination and implementation to ensure the use of the materials in numerous and diverse settings. In cooperation with the Teacher Enhancement (TE) Program, IMD will support implementation sites to assist districts in the selection and implementation of curricula and the development of assessment tools; in cooperation with ISE and TE, IMD also will support projects to increase the involvement of parents and caregivers in SMT education (see special program sections of these Guidelines).
Informal Science Education (ISE) activities provide rich and stimulating opportunities outside formal school settings, where individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds increase their appreciation and understanding of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. ISE projects take place in diverse environments (e.g., museums of all types, community centers, the home) and involve the use of various media (e.g., broadcast, film, interactive technology, print, and exhibits). Projects typically are designed to reach large audiences or to have the potential for significant national or regional impact. To broaden its impact, ISE promotes collaborations among organizations that have similar goals, especially when such projects bridge the informal and formal education communities. Through collaborations, partners combine their resources and expertise to develop effective strategies for reaching target audiences. In cooperation with IMD and TE, ISE will support projects to increase involvement of parents and caregivers in SMT education (see special program section of these Guidelines).
Teacher Enhancement (TE) projects provide professional development opportunities to broaden and deepen the disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge of teachers, improving their ability to deliver rich and challenging education in science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education to all students. Through active involvement of administrators, projects encourage school organizations and cultures that provide requisite resources and support to implement classroom improvements through sustained professional development. TE supports projects that: 1) develop the capacity of schools and teachers to implement a high-quality, standards-based SMT program for all students; 2) develop teachers who become leaders in content, pedagogy, and professional development; 3) engage teachers and students in meaningful research experiences that can be translated back to classrooms; 4) provide cost-effective replication of effective projects; 5) create professional development materials; and 6) implement innovative applications of educational technologies providing cost-effective access to quality SMT resources and in-service training. Emphasis is placed on projects that focus on the professional development of teachers as the primary driver for implementing SMT education reform in entire school districts. In cooperation with IMD, TE will support implementation sites to assist districts in selecting and implementing NSF-supported instructional materials; in cooperation with ISE and IMD, TE also will support projects to increase involvement of parents and caregivers in SMT education (see special program section of the Guidelines).
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching
The NSF administers the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program on behalf of the White House. The PAEMST rewards career excellence for teachers at both elementary and secondary grade levels. Awards are made in each state and four jurisdictions: Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; the Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS); and US Territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands) taken as a group. Teachers submit applications to state or jurisdiction selection committees which, in turn, select three candidates from each of the four disciplinary/grade-level award groups. These state finalists are then forwarded to a national selection committee, comprised of prominent scientists, mathematicians, educators, and past awardees. The national committee recommends four national finalists (one from each of the four disciplinary/grade-level categories) from each state and eligible jurisdiction. The PAEMST teachers constitute a national network of outstanding leaders in science and mathematics education and are a rich resource for the improvement of science and mathematics education throughout the Nation. (see 1998 PAEMST Application Packet)
Advanced Technological Education
Ensuring internationally competitive manufacturing, protection of the environment, and effective development and use of new technologies requires technicians well-educated in science, mathematics and engineering. This program promotes the exemplary education of technicians at the two-year college level and quality preparation at the secondary level. Projects require partnerships of two-year colleges with four-year colleges and universities, secondary schools, business, industry, and government. The program supports instructional materials development, professional development for faculty and teachers, technical experiences for students and teachers, and instrumentation and laboratory improvement. The ATE Program features a few national and regional centers that combine all these aspects, as well as projects that concentrate on one or more aspects. The program also accepts proposals for activities that lead to better understanding of issues surrounding advanced technological education. ATE is jointly managed by ESIE and the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE).
| Special Attention to Mathematics |
|