Project 720 - To be eligible for Project 720, schools need to make a committment to creating a rigorous, results-focused, data-driven, and personalized in a way that is supported by systems, resources and technology. 4 years of college-prep level English and math, 3 years of science and social studies with a strong recommendation of 2 years of a foreign language generate the content knowledge that students will need to succeed in their college or career. Districts are also encoraged to provide opportunities for students to be leaders, generate strategies for re-engaging out-of-school youth and work with Career & Technical Centers and postsecondary institutions to align curricula with the expectations of college and the workplace.
Classrooms for the future - In an increasingly technological world, conventional classroom tools are still an important part of education but it is impossible to deny the importance of technology. To ensure that all students and schools have an opportunity to utilize such technology, grant recipient schools will be provided the funding to put laptop computers in high school classrooms. Understanding and utilizing technology is neccesity for both students and teachers. In addition to helping teachers and students utilize classroom technology more effectively, the program also strives to change the nature of the relationships between students and teachers. In the Classrooms for the Future model, teachers are facilitators of student-driven work more than lecturers.
Science...It's Elementary - In the spirit of STEM and STEM literacy, Science...It's Elementary is a grant program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to promote inquiry-based learning. As with the concept of STEM literacy, just content knowledge is not enough to prepare students for post-secondary experiences. The idea of inquiry-based learning involves teaching k-6 students the scientific processes of observing, questioning, making inferences, hypothesizing, investigating, interpreting, and communicating. The progam also includes professional development opportunities, at no charge to the district.
PDE will begin accepting applications for 2009-2010 in Mid-March 2009. Districts interested in applying should contact:
Dr. Steven Dear
PDE, Science Education Advisor
sdear@state.pa.us
717-783-6598
