Showcase

Exploration of the Process and Impact of STEM Faculty Involvement

Description

"Deep engagement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
disciplinary faculty is a hallmark of the MSP program, which posits that disciplinary
faculty hold the knowledge that K – 12 teachers need, and that if faculty are substantially
involved, the chain of professional knowledge will be strengthened and result in
improved student achievement. Westat’s research, evaluation, and technical assistance
(RETA) grant aims to examine this assumption empirically. Specifically, we are asking
how are STEM faculty engaged in MSP? Does the involvement make any difference in
enhancing teacher quality and increasing student achievement? And are there particular
circumstances in which certain types of involvement contribute more or less than others
on these dimensions? The paper presents preliminary findings from the first 2 years of
this 4-year project. "