The UCA Institute for STEM Professional Development and Education Research (UCA STEM Institute)
Promote STEM Education in the state of Arkansas and support K-12 math and science teachers.
University of Central Arkansas
Established: 13
http://www.uca.edu/steminstitute
Profile submitted by Umadevi Garimella
Vision and Goals
Mission Statement
The UCA Institute for STEM Professional Development and Education Research (UCA STEM Institute) plays a vital role in support of the University's mission in teacher education in science and mathematics. The Institute provides "high quality," innovative STEM educational opportunities through developing partnerships, professional development, research, K-12 outreach, and sharing of instructional resources. These activities are aligned with state and national initiatives and contribute to the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics' vision of being a national leader in STEM education.
Vision Statement
The UCA Institute for STEM Professional Development and Education Research (UCA STEM Institute) aspires to be the premier institute for development, use and promotion of research-proven pedagogies and rigorous content in P-16 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Arkansas and to be recognized as a leader in this area nationally.
Center/Program Structure
Our STEM Institute is part of College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The University of Central Arkansas supports the Institute by providing housing, utilities, and the director's and administrative Assistant's salary. All other funding for office materials, equipment and travel is obtained by the Institute through grants and professional development registration fees. The Institute's staff consists of a director, one mathematics specialist, one science specialist, and one administrative assistant. The two specialists' positions are funded by competitive Arkansas Department of Education grants. The director and specialists are considered "non-teaching" faculty.
Description of Programming
The UCA STEM Institute is one of the 12 STEM Centers in the state of Arkansas, each one located on a University campus. The STEM Centers serves to keep the public informed, offers implementation assistance as it relates to trends in education, enrich the knowledge and teaching practices of teachers in STEM by linking institutions of higher education to K-12 public schools, educational service cooperatives, and businesses, and by providing services and resources for teachers, administrators, and students.
UCA STEM Institute programs include:
1. Professional development trainings for classroom teachers, administrators, and other educators.
2. Serve as resources for mathematics, science and technology materials; assist schools in curriculum, instruction and assessment improvements and reform; and foster partnerships with school districts in order to provide technical assistance.
3. Strengthen the skills and preparation of pre-service teachers.
4. Increase collaboration between the Schools of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Education at institutions of higher education; promote collaboration and coordination of activities with the Educational Service Cooperatives; support high quality mathematics and science education in the state and coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Education in school improvement efforts.
Successes and Impacts
The UCA STEM Institute provides content and pedagogical professional development trainings to hundreds of K-12 teachers each year. There are typically three to four different multi-year programs each summer and through the academic year.
The STEM Institute supports implementation of Common Core State Standards in mathematics and New Science Standards in the state of Arkansas primarily through content and pedagogical assistance to teachers. The Institute has also been the professional development provider for four Arkansas Math and Science Partnership, seven NCLB Teacher Quality Improvement; eight Commitment to Excellence in STEM and NASA grants in the past seven years, providing long term support to over 400 teachers.
The math and science specialist provide state-initiated (statewide) professional development trainings and customized professional development and technical assistance for K-12 teachers based on needs assessment. In addition, the specialist work with school districts to provide on-site content and pedagogical support to math and science teachers.
Elements Contributing to Success
Elements that have contributed to the success of UCA STEM Institute include the following: exceptional support from the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, the Provost, and the President; more than 15 UCA faculty (College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and College of Education) collaborating with the Institute; strong partnerships with local school districts and state STEM organizations; and grant funds from Math and Science Partnership (MSP) and NCLB Improving Teacher Quality and Commitment to STEM Excellence programs. Second important aspect is our location in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics which puts us in the close proximity with Math and Science faculty.