Regional Institute for Teachers of Science in Grades 4, 5, and 6 in Tidewater Virginia is a three year long sequential program to upgrade the qualifications of 40 upper elementary grade science teachers in six cooperating school districts in the Tidewater area. In the first two years of the program there is a strong emphasis on improving the physical science background and teaching skills for the participants. This is done through two six week long summer workshops with follow- up academic year seminars. In the third year of the program 35 of the teachers will be selected to participate in a six week long leadership program designed to permit them to provide in-service training to other elementary school teachers within the Tidewater area. This program will serve an area with a high minority teacher and student population. Approximately 65% of the particpating teachers will be from minority groups, and approximately 90% of the participants will be female. The program includes a very strong evaluation component which will seek to measure the effect of the program on students as well as teachers. The participant teachers will assist in the design and implementation of evaluation instruments. Likewise, the participating school districts have agreed to implement in-service support following the completion of the project.
