Lessons Learned From the Evaluation of a Sustained University/K12 Science Education Partnership

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: Evaluations of Mathematics Programs and Interventions for K–12 Students

Abstract

Do university scientists belong in K12classrooms? Can graduate student/teacher classroom partnerships improve STEM education in the United States? What are the components of such programs, and how should they be funded and evaluated? Results from our survey of 188 funded National Science Foundation GK12 scientist/teacher partnerships showed that few programs lasted beyond the grant cycle. Lessons learned from our NIH funded retrospective evaluation of a ten-year scientist/teacher partnership program at Vanderbilt University suggest that such university/K-12 science education partnerships can be sustained. Findings will be presented from a ten-year retrospective study about the benefits of scientist/teacher partnerships and the components of a successful program, and will suggest models for sustainability.

Authors

• Virginia Shepherd, Vanderbilt University

• Jennifer Ufnar, Vanderbilt University

• Susan Kuner, Vanderbilt University

• Molly Bolger, Vanderbilt University

• Robert Crouch, Vanderbilt University

• Doug Robinson, Topaz Canyon

• John A. Willis, Brook Besor Consultants