5 Comments

  1. sfernandez

    The STAAR science scores of the Economically Disadvantaged cohort at Eisenhower Middle School is a solid 55.5%, and this affects the whole school’s achievement in science. I found your research about professional development from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi called ETEAMS as interesting as an innovative way for teachers to gain more knowledge about science. Also, the third strategy, the use of technology to improve student science learning is to incorporate HOTS, Higher Order Thinking Skills, and this has proven to increase student’s retention, understanding, ability to make a proper conclusion, and ability to communicate. These strategies are innovative ways of teaching science and your action plan for Eisenhower Middle School was excellent. This was a great and interesting research topic and paper regarding science and the economically disadvantaged students.

  2. cclewett

    Mark, I enjoyed reading the strategies you found regarding the increase of science scores. I wholeheartedly agree with your call for more professional development designed to help educators build their own knowledge of how science is being conducted in meaningful ways in today’s STEM careers. I think an opportunity to attend targeted training that informs your instruction is the most important component of overall student success, because teacher knowledge and empowerment trickles down to the students as well. I also think the idea to have teachers collaborate with local universities and science-related career fields is a brilliant way to provide opportunities for authentic learning and fresh ideas to then be brought back to the home campus and discussed among the science teachers. The use of technology can certainly be engaging for students at first, but I have found that is can also be a major distraction if not structured properly. And your plan for the science teachers to form a PLC is a great way to get the ball rolling on creating a shared mission and vision, as well as common assessments that help the science teachers focus on the most important standards.

  3. jphillips17

    Mark,
    I’m glad you chose to address this problem because it is a very large one in today’s education environment. I like the strategy of incorporating the colleges and universities with the community schools. Most times the universities have better facilities as well as extremely qualified instructors. It also allows the students to see the potential future benefits of science. School today has started a focus on reading writing math that has overshadowed the sciences and other important subject areas. Good job on addressing the problem and developing a solid solution.

  4. nacosta4

    I found your strategies to improve science scores not only benefited the students, but also increase the teachers’ knowledge. The confidence teachers obtained by having hands-on experience really helped to encourage their students’ learning. The strategies that really stood out the most were the ones using technology. Those students really seemed to grasp the concepts, having the ability to use other tools to learn.

  5. ataramona

    Mark,
    Your paper was very informative and I like the fact that your goals in the action plan were a perfect example as to what SMART goals are. It looks to me that each of these goals are attainable if the PLC follows through which each step that you provide. Technology is a massive part of technology now a days and it’s becoming more relevant than textbooks are. This is a very current topic that should be considered when looking to improve scores within all subjects as well as throughout schools in the US. Great job, as always!

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