Research for Better Schools

Recent Technical Assistance Projects

Title: Pennsylvania Math-Science Team Coordination

Sponsor/Funder: U. S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Target Audience: Pennsylvania teachers, specialists, supervisors, and teacher educators of mathematics and science; school administrators; institutions of higher education; and interested business and community persons

Collaborating Agencies: Pennsylvania Department of Education; Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg; Messiah College; Muhlenberg College; Intermediate Units 3, 14, 19, 24, and 25; Clarion University; Widener University; Juniata College; Wilkes University; Franklin Institute; K'NEX Corporation; PA Council of Teachers of Mathematics; PA Science Teachers Association; the Southwest PA Math Science Collaborative; Dallas School District; and NASA

Dates: 1993 - 2005

Description: The Mid-Atlantic Regional Consortium for Mathematics and Science Education at RBS coordinated the Pennsylvania Sate Team for Mathematics and Science Education. This team consisted of mathematics and science teachers, specialists, supervisors, and teacher educators; school administrators; and other members of the community. The team's purpose was to promote standards of excellence by providing the mathematics and science community a network of resources and support, insights, information, and access to projects that focus on the importance of mathematics and science in the human experience.

The team consisted of a broad statewide membership, and a smaller steering committee that worked with an RBS liaison to set direction and help define activities. The team also supported seven collaboratives in the various geographic regions of Pennsylvania: Northeast, Southeast, North Central, Capital Area, South Central, Northwest, and Southwest. The team supported activities of these collaboratives, as well as other statewide activities, projects, and conferences. All activities of this robust team were coordinated through RBS.

Outcomes: In the latest reporting year, 2004, the Pennsylvania Team steering committee met for three sessions. The focus was been on planning new work, which could continue after the Eisenhower Consortium ends. In conjunction with the PA Intermediate Unit (IU) Curriculum Coordinators group, the highest need was defined as helping schools meet their NCLB achievement goals through identifying and disseminating effective curricula. The action plan included developing a database of effective practices and technical assistance procedures that the Intermediate Units can implement. In addition, a statewide technology conference and a number of IMAGES professional development sessions have been planned and conducted.

The Eisenhower Consortium activities are designed to meet high standards of design and impact. The latest evaluation of activities across the Mid-Atlantic region showed the impact of coordination through a client survey. Between 89 and 100 percent of the participants reported impacts in influencing practice and/or policy, providing coherence to reform efforts, sustaining reform efforts, strengthening relationships, increasing service coordination, and leveraging increased access to resources.

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