This 36 month project focuses on the 12 Connecticut urban Priority Districts with intensive teacher enhancement for middle schools. All participants are part of CONNSTRUCT and thus have devised plans for reforming science education within their area. The project provides Resource Network specialists, summer workshops for leadership teams, regional and local workshops, ten state-wide interactive video conferences per year, and on-site mentors. The proposal builds on state initiatives and ongoing projects to improve science education in the state. Moreover, the project forges cooperative relationships among the schools and between each school and the broader community. An advisory board supports selected units many of which draw form other successful projects like Operation Physics, Insights: A Hands-On Science Curriculum and others. The basic format is a one week summer workshop for the Leadership team, Regional Workshops for teachers, and Local Workshops of 1-2 days catering to the local needs. Mentors and interactive TV broadcast to 10 regional sites supporting the process. Cost sharing is estimated at 38%.
