Access to Resources

Summer Institutes and Courses



Bronx Zoo Summer Workshops for Teachers

Used in schools and zoos across the United States and around the world, Bronx Zoo curricula integrate classroom lessons and zoo-visit field trips. The materials are highly motivating and consistent with national goals for improvement of science literacy.

The curriculum training workshops include: Pablo Python Looks At Animals (Grades K–3) Habitat Ecology Learning Program (Grades 4–6) Voyage From The Sun (Grades 4–9) Diversity of Lifestyles (Grades 6–8) Survival Strategies (Grades 7–12)

The fee for the five-day workshop is $365 and includes lodging and two meals per day.

Contact Ann Robinson, Assistant Director for National Programs; (800) 937-5131; www.wcs.org/education



Engaging Middle School Girls in Math and Science

The WEEA Equity Resource Center is offering an online course for middle school educators who want to explore ways to increase girls’ interest and participation in math and science. The course builds on what teachers already know about good instructional practice, addresses the unique social and academic needs of middle school girls, and explores the "lens" and "hidden curriculum" that unintentionally may limit girls’ engagement with math or science.

The course is offered over a ten-week period, June 19-August 27. The fee is $80 per person; teams of 2 or more, $60 per person.

Contact the WEEA Equity Resource Center (800) 225-3088; weeactr@edc.org



Investigations Implementation Institute

The Investigations Implementation Center is hosting an Implementation Institute, Planning for Professional Development and Leadership Development, July 17-19, 2000. It is designed for experienced teachers, staff developers, and administrators who play lead roles in supporting classroom teachers and planning for professional development in schools and districts implementing the Investigations in Number, Data, and Space elementary mathematics curriculum. Partic ipants will explore issues of implementation, review staff development materials, engage in model professional development sessions, and have an opportunity to interact with other districts from across the country.

Contact Lorraine Brooks at TERC, lorraine_brooks@terc.edu



Investigations Workshops for Transforming Mathematics 2000

The Education Research Collaborative at TERC offers professional development opportunities for elementary school teachers implementing the curriculum Investigations in Number, Data, and Space. Offered across the country, the five-day Level 1 workshops stress teachers’ mathematics learning and focus on some of the roles they are assuming in classrooms as learners, researchers, mathematical leaders, and facilitators of mathematics learning. A three-day Level 2 workshop on Number and Computation is available. The fee for the five-day workshop is $425.

Visit projects, terc.edu/investigations-workshops, or e-mail investigations_workshops@terc.edu



Hands-On Universe

The Hands-On Universe (HOU) program is recruiting high school teachers interested in implementing the HOU educational program. In this program, students investigate the universe while applying tools and concepts from science, math, and technology. HOU is offering two types of professional development programs: week-long summer workshops with follow-up sessions during the school year; and distance learning sessions with self-paced study and online workshops. Evaluators will compare the results of student learning and teacher change from both programs. All teachers must have Internet and classroom computer access for the school year; must work with the evaluation team studying the effect of the new professional development techniques; and will receive a stipend.

Contact houstaff@hou.lbl.gov



Impact Content and Curriculum Training Institutes

The Impact project at the Center for the Enhancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME) is offering several summer institutes. Content institutes include Science and Technology for Children, Connected Mathematics Project, and Developing Mathematical Ideas. Curriculum Trainer Institutes include Full Option Science Systems, Insights, and Everyday Mathematics.

The IMPACT project strives to accelerate the im ple mentation of standards-based instructional materials throughout New England. CESAME uses the experience gained with its Statewide Implementation Program (SIP) to inform this scaled-up regional effort.

For information on Impact's summer institutes, visit the What's New section of their web site, projects.terc.edu/impact/.



WGBH Educational Foundation’s 2000 Summer Mathematics Institute

WGBH is offering two courses: Number and Operation; and Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability. The courses are aligned with the NCTM Standards 2000 and will help teachers better understand mathematics by promoting deep knowledge of the content that underlies elementary and middle school curriculum. Classes will be taught by mathematicians and mathematics educators and will run for ten sessions—each session lasts 2 1/2 hours. WGBH will videotape the courses and use the footage as part of a national mathematics curriculum. Participants will receive a $500 stipend.

Contact Jessica Rueter, WGBH, 125 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134, (617) 300-3815, jessica_rueter@wgbh.org



In Print

Closing the Student Achievement Gap Council for Basic Education, 2000

Closing the Gap, a new report from the Council of Basic Education, documents the 1999 Wings pread Conference "Beyond the Standards Horse Race: Implementation, Assessment, and Accountability—The Keys to Improving Student Achievement." The conference brought together 45 educators to discuss the "troubling clouds" that overshadow implementation of standards in every classroom in the United States. Included in the special report are highlights from the conference proceedings, a one-page list of findings, and five solicited conference papers, written by a principal, a district superintendent of schools, a state superintendent, and two university-based researchers.

The Council for Basic Education, 1319 F Street, NW Suite 900 , Washington, D.C. 20004-1152; (202) 347-4171, fax (202) 347-5047; info@c-b-e.org; www.c-b-e.org/stclogap.htm



Mathematics Education in the Middle Grades National Research Council, 2000

This book summarizes a national convocation and three conferences that brought together mathematicians, mathematics teachers, middle grades teachers, mathematics education researchers and others to discuss ways to improve mathematics teaching and learning in the middle grades. It reviews issues such as mathematics curriculum content, the influence of school organization on mathematics programs, and how to pay attention simultaneously to the mathematics and to the student.

National Academy Press, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055; 888-624-8373 . Visit www.nap.edu to view the text online or order a print copy.



Alliance Access
Vol. 5, No. 1, Spring 2000

In this issue:

Facing Equity: Facing Ourselves

The Online Science-athon

Network Science, A Decade Later

Promoting Schoolwide Reform

Faculty Study Groups

Heterogeneous Versus Homogenous Classes

NISEN Convenes Fourth Annual Conference

Access to Resources

Science-By-Design Series

NCTM Standards 2000