This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).
The K-State Robert Noyce Scholarship Program is increasing the supply of highly qualified middle and high school teachers (Grades 6-12) in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. The program is providing opportunities for 20 freshmen and sophomores to work in informal STEM education settings both on and off campus; is increasing by 17 the number of undergraduates in the targeted STEM disciplines receiving licensure; and enabling 12 graduates in the targeted STEM disciplines to gain licensure through a newly established Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning. High need schools are identified and recruited through three existing partnerships: the Professional Development School Partnership, the Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy, and the Center for Rural Education and Small Schools. Within the definition of high need local educational agency, the K-State program further targets schools serving a high percentage of individuals from families with incomes below the poverty line, a high percentage of English language learners, and rural populations. The evaluation plan includes the development of a database for maintaining demographic data; the Scholars' academic progress and perceptions of the usefulness of the program elements; the effectiveness of program elements, especially new teacher support; and subsequent teaching challenges in high need schools.
