ITEST-Nano :: Project Goals

Goals for Students

To improve performance in science with grade 9 and 10 students performing below proficiency and to increase knowledge about emerging nano/bio research;
To provide opportunities for students to develop and practice technological skills working with multiple technological tools anchored in classroom work;
To increase awareness of post-secondary science and engineering education and careers by mobilizing school guidance counselors, working with nanotechnology and bioengineering faculty and graduate students, partnering with SDP IT initiatives, and working strategically with science, engineering and IT industry partners.

To address implementation issues by providing a robust program for professional development to produce a series of implementable lessons or activities that align and upgrade the Core Curriculum with modern innovations in nano/bio research;
To improve access to and understanding of how to use specific IT tools for incorporation with the updated Core Curriculum;
To increase awareness of post-secondary science, engineering and IT education and careers by working with school guidance counselors, nanotechnology and bioengineering faculty and graduate students, and both IT and science and engineering industry partners. Goals for Schools and District;
To work with guidance counselors, teachers, administrators within SDP along with consultants and industry partners to create a framework that includes peer-to-peer training, a network or community of practitioners, and effective guidance programs and opportunities for teachers and students to learn about science, engineering, and IT education and careers.

To measure over-all program efficacy in terms of impact on student learning and teacher practices with the explicit purpose of creating a sustainable, scalable and portable program to be used by the whole district as well as other school districts around the country and beyond.