Guidelines for AzSTEP partnerships with schools and school districts

AzSTEP is dedicated to professional development and support of high school teachers as local experts in science teaching with technology, hereafter referred to as TTRAs (Teaching with Technology Resource Agents). AzSTEP is seeking partnerships with schools and school districts that optimize the contribution of TTRAs in a program of science education reform that implements the National Science Education Standards and incorporates best use of technology.

AzSTEP agrees to:

• Collaborate with school partners on developing plans and grant proposals for science education reform with technology infusion.
• Provide professional advice and assistance on upgrading science teaching with technology.
• Provide continued professional development and support for TTRAs.
• Enhance the effectiveness of TTRAs by supporting collaboration among TTRAs at different schools.
• Solicit support from business and industry to improve science classroom facilities and technology.
• Assist in attracting high quality candidates for physics teaching positions.

School partners agree to pursue the AzSTEP Vision through an implementation plan that incorporates at least some of the recommendations below.

AzSTEP Vision:

To establish and maintain at least one science classroom in every high school with the following characteristics:

• Fully equipped with computers that students learn to use as scientific tools.
• Managed by a TTRA who is well trained and up-to-date in science pedagogy, curriculum design and uses of advanced technology.
• A science course that serves as a local exemplar of best use of technology in the science curriculum.
• A TTRA who can serve as a local expert on science teaching with technology to provide leadership for wider reform in the school and school district.

Recommendations for Implementation:

• TTRAs need continued development of professional competence by participating in AzSTEP programs for one month every summer. Their school contracts should be extended for one month to support this.
• Extension of TTRA contracts for a second summer month will support them to plan, prepare and conduct local professional development workshops for other teachers.
• During the school year, daily release time for TTRAs to help other teachers incorporate technology into their teaching has proven to be very effective.
• Support TTRA collaborations with physics, chemistry, physical science and math teachers to coordinate/integrate their courses.

School Partnership Formation:

• AzSTEP school partnerships must involve a TTRA from each participating high school.
• The AzSTEP Facilitator from ASU will represent AzSTEP in partnership arrangements.
• Creation of a school partnership begins with meetings among the TTRAs, the Facilitator and school representatives (for example, science and technology coordinators) to develop a plan.
• The Facilitator will submit the plan to the AzSTEP Director for approval or recommended revisions.
• Finally, the AzSTEP-approved plan will be brought to school authorities (supervisor, principal or school board) for a commitment to support implementation.

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