1/16/2018
Again, the short answer is yes, it can. A majority of over two-thirds (n=37) of projects funded by MSP nationwide identified at least one significant positive finding for improvement in teacher content knowledge, among projects meeting the MSP criteria for a rigorous evaluation.
Nearly all projects were aligned with the state common core standards. In this group of rigorously evaluated projects, many included Summer Institutes with at least 2 weeks of professional development for their teachers. Another group used shorter Summer Institutes and follow-up training during the school year. Over half (30) also used professional learning communities as part of the program design. There were also other strategies used by these projects. Review this synopsis of MSP projects and their Teacher Content Knowledge results. If these are approaches you are using, or would like to use, consider applying for the MSP grant. The grant award will help you fund additional professional development, and improve teacher content knowledge and student achievement.
If you’re interested, right now is the time to begin planning your program design. Consider your district’s goals and the needs of your students, name a grant team, bring in Via Evaluation as your required external evaluator, and begin the application.
The MSP RFP release is scheduled for today: January 16, 2018. If you would like to hear more about how VIA Evaluation can support your work with Math Science Partnerships, please call me at (716) 362-0627 or email us at [email protected].
