The purpose of this study is to
investigate how to prepare middle-school teachers to improve all
students physical science content knowledge, including that of
low-performing students and English learners (ELs). Using a
cluster-randomized experimental design, the research will test the
effectiveness of WestEds Understanding Science model of
professional development, an approach that incorporates science
content, analysis of student work and thinking, and critical
analysis of issues related to teaching that content to students.
The professional development course sessions focus on science
concepts both in the context of structured investigations and in
narrative cases of teaching practice drawn from actual classroom
episodes involving those concepts.This model will be evaluated by
comparing it with a control condition that provides no additional
science professional development beyond that already received in
each school. The experiment will evaluate the value added for grade
8 teachers in California who take an Understanding Science course
in addition to whatever science professional development they
ordinarily receive. The ultimate outcome of interest is the impact
of the professional development on students science achievement.
To provide a basis for explaining the results, impacts will also be
studied on teachers science content knowledge, and a descriptive
study will examine selected aspects of their classroom science
instructional practices.
US Code:
20
USC 9564 Name of Law: Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002,
Part D, Setion 174
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.