An Invitation to participate in the 2007-2008 Project
Applications are now being taken for the program starting April 2007 -August 2008.Illinois Teachers of grades 7-12, Science, Mathematics, and/or Industrial Technology are being invited to apply for a unique professional development opportunity.
This opportunity is being offered in response to the State of Illinois identifying Industrial Technology as having a severe shortage of skilled workers entering the field.
Funds are provided through the Illinois Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant (NCLB, Title II, Part B) to support a summer 2007 institute and follow up activities to assist teachers in gaining a deeper understanding of mathematics and science as these subjects relates to the "real world".
The project is partnering with cutting edge businesses to bring teachers into direct contact with the daily operations and decision making in the Industrial Technology industry. As a result of this unique opportunity, Science, Mathematics, and Industrial Technology teachers of grades 7-12 will be able to create hands-on "real world" learning opportunities for their students, while increasing both student and teacher knowledge.
Grant funds will be used to support the teacher's time in the summer ($1350). In addition the project will cover substitute reimbursement for activities during the school year, reimbursement of travel expenses, and to provide high quality materials and resources to support learning throughout the project.
What's in it for Teachers
- $1350 for work associated with summer grant activities
- Substitute teacher reimbursement for 5 days of training during the school year.
- Up to $650 for travel expenses
- 3 hours of post graduate credit from Illinois State University
- Hands-on, practical application of math and science content
- Opportunity to partner with businesses
- Opportunity to engage in student driven instruction
Chance to introduce more career opportunities to students
What's in it for Students
- Real world application
- Motivation to learn content
- Opportunity to explore potential careers
- Linkages to post secondary education
What's in it for School Districts
- Real world application of math and science for students
- Increased motivation by students to learn math and science content
- Opportunity for students to explore potential careers
- Linkages to post secondary education
How to Apply
Teachers are encouraged to participate in teams of one or more mathematics and or science teachers and one Industrial Technology teacher from the same district, however, individuals will be accepted. The number of teachers allowed to participate is being limited to the first 30 applicants, so be sure to have the Statement of Understanding signed by both teacher and administrator by October 31, 2006.
Deadline October 31, 2006
(Limited to first 30 teachers)
Contact Person:
Dr. Frances Beauman
fbeauman@ioes.org
800-252-4822 ext. 244 or 217-725-1140
Too many students leave high school without a basic understanding of math and science. When they attempt to enter a community or 4 year college they often require remediation. The goal of the Illinois Transportation Distribution and Logistics ( Industrial Technology) Math and Science partnership project is to improve the math and science skills of students by providing teachers with a better understanding of mathematics, science and engineering as it relates to the Industrial Technology industry and to make learning these subjects more interesting for students by using a problem based learning approach. This will be done by providing in-service and resources to mathematics, science and Career Technical Education instructors on these topics which will translate to new classroom instructional strategies.
Knowing how to use mathematics and science is an important workplace skill. This project will help mathematics, science and CTE teachers maximize the math and science in the curriculum. It is an opportunity for mathematics and science instructors to learn or reinforce concepts and to see first hand how math and science applications are used in business settings. It provides opportunities for CTE teachers to continue to learn about math and science that already exists in their curriculum. Teachers will receive support as they use math formulas and vocabulary, develop problem based scenarios and practice teaching the math and science in their curriculum.
Why use problem based scenarios as an instructional tool? Most schools, teachers, parents and employers want students to become effective problem solvers. Problem based learning is an instructional approach which recognizes two educational outcomes as critical to the development of effective problem solvers. The first outcome is the acquisition of knowledge and skills. The second outcome is the high quality use of this information to solve problems. During this project teachers will learn to effectively use and develop problem based learning activities for their classroom. Teachers will gain skills in using mentoring and coaching techniques critical to making problem based learning work.