Title IIB Mathematics Science Partnership
July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2010
The intent of this grant program is to encourage local school districts and institutions of higher education to participate in professional development activities that increase the subject matter knowledge and teaching skills of teachers of mathematics, science and technology. Professional development activities must be sustained, intensive, classroom focused, and aligned with State and local learning standards and mathematics, science and technology curricula. These activities must result in a demonstrable and measurable improvement in student academic achievement in mathematics, science and technology. The emphasis of NCLB, Title II, Part B is:
- Professional development that uses reliable scientifically-based or evidence-based teaching methods as a means of improving student academic performance, and
- Partnerships between high-need school districts and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments in institutions of higher education.
For NCLB purposes, the definition of professional development can be found in Title IX, Part A, Section 9101(34), and scientifically based research can be found in Title IX, Part A, Section 9101(37). These sections of the NCLB can be found at http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg107.html
For purposes of this application, professional development is considered a minimum of 60 hours each year for three years PER PARTICIPANT of related, sustained and focused activities directly related to the specific needs of the participants. The participants must be in the program for the entire three-year period. Teachers must be willing to make the three-year commitment to participate in the program in order to be selected.