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Houston schools, which serve approximately 20 percent of all Texas elementary students, face enormous challenges for the improvement of science teaching and learning. Baylor College of Medicine, in partnership with the Houston Independent School District (HISD), proposes to address those challenges by developing leadership teams of elementary teachers, administrators and scientists who will guide the process of science education reform in HISD's 177 elementary schools. The proposed activities will support new initiatives within the District aimed at systemic reform of science education at all grade levels. Project objectives are to:
1. Create mutual learning communities of elementary teachers/administrators and scientists (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) who will participate in joint educational experiences over a two-year period that focus on science content; science teaching skills; NRC Standards and Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills; first-hand experiences with scientific processes; and development of organization, leadership and teaching abilities. A four-week mentored summer research experience for teachers will take place between the first and second years: 16 teachers/administrators and eight scientists will be selected to participate.
2. Promote interaction of HISD elementary school students with scientists by creating and supporting opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to partner with elementary teachers in delivering science instruction, as part of their Science Education Leadership Fellows involvement.
3. Promote family and community involvement in schools by sponsoring at least one family science festival per year at elementary schools in each of HISD's 12 administrative subdistricts.
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