fcrstem florida center for research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics florida...

FCRSTEM

Florida Center for Research in Science, Technology, Engineering

and Mathematics

Florida State University

FCRSTEM

Created by the Florida Legislature

“The purpose of the center is increasing student achievement in mathematics and science, with an emphasis on K-12 education.”

Chapter 1004.86, Florida Statutes

FCRSTEM

Multi-disciplinary research center

Jointly administered by:

• FSU College of Arts & Sciences

• FSU College of Education

• FSU Learning Systems Institute, Office of the Provost

FCRSTEM

Center Director, Harry Kroto, Ph.D.

Nobel Laureate

Buckminsterfullerine(“buckyballs”)

FCRSTEM

Primary roles

• Research• Testing models of teacher preparation• Technical assistance to state and

districts• Dissemination of evidence-based

practices

FCRSTEM

Research: Six multi-year studies

1. The effectiveness of GEMS professional development in elementary and middle schools

2. The effectiveness of assessment-to-instruction software (A2i) designed to help elementary teachers individualize science instruction

FCRSTEM

Research

3. Current use of technology-based science and math instruction in middle and high schools

4. Relative effectiveness of elementary mathematics curricula

FCRSTEM

Research

5. Effectiveness of the Texas Instruments Model Districts Program, a systemic intervention for closing the mathematics achievement gap in middle and high schools.

6. Cognitive processes leading to superior performance in advanced placement (AP) math and science courses.

FCRSTEM

FSU-Teach

• Model: UTeach at University of Texas at Austin

• Goal: Attract science majors into the teaching profession and provide them with exceptional preparation for teaching science or mathematics

FCRSTEM

FSUTeachKey features: Recruitment & marketing strategiesStrong content preparation & high-quality pedagogical preparation including early, successful teaching experiencesInstruction by master teachers & FSU FacultyPayment of teachers for pre-clinical & clinical supervisionStrong induction program

FCRSTEM

Support for state-level initiatives: - Revision and implementation of standards

- Increasing the rigor of the curriculum

- Assessment

FCRSTEM

Specifics• Advise on revision of standards

• Rate the standards on rigor (workgroups)

• Develop a standards database

• Revise course frameworks (workgroups)

• Recommend assessment instruments to inform instruction

FCRSTEM

Females and Minorities Plan to increase participation and success

in STEM education

In partnership with- School districts- Universities- Community colleges- Business community- Private, non-profit partners

FCRSTEM

Content Enhancement RoutinesStrategies to help teachers focus on targeted information, present information explicitly, prompt students to elaborate and make ideas and relationships concrete.

Visual devices to help students organize, understand, remember, and apply information presented in class.

FCRSTEM

Global Educational Outreach (GEO)

Free Internet modules to help teachers: - Teach important scientific concepts - Introduce students to cutting edge science

- Get kids excited about learning science and becoming scientists

FCRSTEM

Math & Science Partnership Grants

• Coordination of Evaluation

• Science grants in 2007-08; both the following year

FCRSTEM

Dissemination

- Regional colloquia

- Biennial conference

- Marketing plan - info on STEM education and careers to parents, students and teachers through the media and technology

- Student achievement briefs

FCRSTEM

www.fcrstem.org

FCRSTEM

Questions about FCR-STEM

Christine Johnson

Phone: (850) 644-2573

Email: fcrstem@lsi.fsu.edu