SMARTS Project

John Dunkhase, Co-Principal Investigator

The University of Iowa Science Education Center, UI’s Department of Mathematics, Grant Wood Area Education Agency and six high need, local school districts are collaborating on a proposed Mathematics and Science Partnership grant. This proposed SMARTS Project (Science and Mathematics Avenues to Renewed Teachers and Students) is a long term (3 year, $150,000 per year) professional development (PD) initiative aligned with the Iowa PD Model. This project will provide 120 hours of ongoing PD to nine teams of 4-6 elementary teachers (54 total) and PD to principals from six high need school districts.

The SMARTS project’s goal is to “Increase the achievement in science and mathematics of K-6 students and reduce the math and science achievement gap of student subgroups (e.g., Free/Reduced Priced Meals eligible), through a PD program consisting of intensive summer institutes, academic year lesson-study groups and seminars, and onsite implementation assistance”.

Intended outcomes include: 1) improved student achievement in mathematics and science on district-developed and standardized measures, 2) enhanced teacher use of research-proven inquiry teaching strategies, 3) improved teacher content understanding in mathematics and science; and 4) enhanced principal support for the IPDM and standards-based math/science instruction.

The project evaluation plan will document project processes and outcomes, including enhanced:

• Instructional practice and content knowledge by teachers
• Student achievement, with particular focus on closing achievement gaps among subgroups
• Principal support for effective teaching and shared leadership in PD

A number of products will be developed. Among these are: 1) Research lessons in math and science illustrating inquiry-based instruction; 2) Shared learning at annual Spring Symposium; 3) Presentations at professional conferences; and 4) an article documenting project activities and impact on teaching and learning for statewide dissemination and professional journal submission.