Barufaldi 9729963 This proposal, sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin, seeks funds to carry out a five-year project to enhance teachers of grades 6-8 in the content and pedagogy of Middle School physical science. The project first works with the instructional teams (science professors, science education professors, master teachers and science specialists), known as the Professional Development Academy (PDA), and then with science teachers. Altogether, each year, 96 PDA professionals will be involved in training and 400 teachers. The state-wide delivery system will be through the 20 Texas Regional Collaboratives. The enhancement program will include content acquisition, pedagogy enhancement, alternative assessment strategies, technology and equity. Training workshops will involve the best of currently available instructional materials and teachers will be helped to integrate the new curriculum in their classroom by PDA staff. The cost share is 67% of the NSF award.
