As one of only ten NSF funded Centers for Learning and Teaching, CISTL will serve as a national model, improving science education through research and researched practice.
Unique to CISTL from the other Centers funded by NSF is the focus on collaboration among various types of institutions supporting science education. CISTL partners include Tyson Research Center, St. Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Missouri in St. Louis, St. Louis Community College, the Association of Science-Technology Centers and five school districts -- University City, St. Louis Public Schools, Riverview Gardens, Maplewood-Richmond Heights and Kirkwood.
"This is a unique opportunity for the St. Louis community to support and to advance the development of an urban learning alliance in science education that links a major research university to important repositories of scientific knowledge in the community," said William Tate, chair of the Department of Education. "I view this NSF award to Washington University as significant in developing models of excellence in teacher education and doctoral studies in science education that are directly connected to urban communities. This is an exciting moment for Washington University and all involved in this endeavor."
The five-year project officially begins in January 2003, though work on CISTL began with a developmental grant from NSF last year.
"Our primary goal is to improve science learning and teaching across the educational continuum," said Christine Klein, principal investigator and project director for CISTL. This includes pre-service and in-service teachers, staff at local science institutions, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows, and even high school youth planning to go into teaching.
"Because of its focus on authentic partnerships, this grant gives us an opportunity to bring together research and practice in unique and exciting ways," said Phyllis Balcerzak, CISTL co-PI. CISTL will focus on supporting inquiry-based teaching and learning in K-12 science education through professional development and will support related research projects. It will also:
- Design a self-assessment tool for science educators to guide professional development paths
- Provide internships in schools for teachers, science institution staff, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows and pre-service teachers
- Conduct research studies in science education
- Offer doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships in science and science education.
For more information on the grant, please contact Christine Klein at (314) 935-7473.