Research for Better Schools

Recent Evaluation Projects

Title: Math and Science Partnership of Greater Philadelphia

Sponsor/Funder: LaSalle University

Target Audience: National Science Foundation, LaSalle University, and members of the partnership

Collaborating Agencies: None

Dates: 2003 - 2008

Description: Math and Science Partnership of Greater Philadelphia (MSPGP) is a multi-year effort funded by the National Science Foundation. The project seeks to provide professional development to teachers of grades six through 12 in 46 partner school districts. The Core Connector Model seeks to bridge the gap between these 46 districts and 13 institutions of higher education in pursuit of improving curriculum, pedagogy, and student achievement in the areas of mathematics and science. Specifically, RBS:

  • Designs qualitative and quantitative instruments based upon the benchmarks in the strategic plan.
  • Co-manages the collection and organization of data through the development and maintenance of a professional development database.
  • Conducts observations and interviews with a sample of participants.
  • Attends leadership team meetings regularly to keep abreast of the organic development of the project.
  • Attends MSP evaluator meetings sponsored by NSF and its RETA groups (Research and Evaluation Technical Assistance).
  • Analyzes data and prepares reports.

Outcomes: The first level of analysis indicates a successful first year of professional development, yielding an overall increase in teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge. In addition, MSPGP is currently refining and implementing year two changes from lessons learned in year one. Those changes include: (1) the decision to use the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum to measure the impact of MSPGP on teachers’ practice, and (2) the development of a standardized packet of instruments for collecting data from all parties involved in the project.

Products and/or Web Links:

  • Sekayi, D. & Bradley, M. (March 2005). MSPGP Data Feedback (PowerPoint presentation). Philadelphia, PA: Research for Better Schools.

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