Letter from BSCS STeLLA Research Team

Dear Colleague,

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Science Teachers Learning from Lesson Analysis (STeLLA) professional development program for teachers in grades 4, 5, and 6. You will play a vital role in this important research project about teacher and student learning in science. By participating in the professional development sessions, completing assessments, allowing us to videotape your science teaching, and providing feedback on your experiences, you will contribute to a better understanding of science teaching and learning in elementary classrooms throughout the country.

The table below provides a review of your commitments to the STeLLA PD program and research study and what you and your students will gain from your participation.

BENEFITS TO PARTICIPATING TECHERS

COMMITMENTS OF PARTICIPATING TEACHERS
  1. 88.5 hours of high quality PD at no cost
  2. $1,950 stipend for full participation
  3. Graduate-level university credits through CSU (paid by the teacher; optional)
  4. Deeper science content knowledge
  5. Collaboration with colleagues in school-based teams and grade-level study groups
  6. Gains in student achievement in science
  1. Nine days of summer PD (July 2012) in Colorado Springs, CO
  2. Thirty (30) hours of continuing STeLLA PD in monthly sessions scheduled after school or on Saturdays during the 2012-13 school year 
  3. Student and teacher pre-posttests and video recording of 2-3 science lessons (administered by STeLLA research team)
  4. Random assignment by school to one of the two STeLLA approaches to PD

 

The STeLLA summer institute is scheduled for 16-26 July at The Colorado College. Please continue to visit the website for updated information!

Next Steps

1) Application. Please complete the online application by clicking here. By completing the application, you are expressing your interest in STeLLA, but not a commitment to participate.

NOTE: Preference will be given to schools with a team of teachers, either multiple teachers from one grade level or a team from both grades 4 and 5. Encourage your colleagues to apply!

2) Orientation Meeting. Because STeLLA is a research study as well as a professional development program, all teachers who apply must attend a one-hour orientation meeting so we may explain details about parent, teacher, and principal consent as well as answer any questions you may have about your participation in the program. Contact us to schedule a meeting at your school.

3) Questions. If you have questions, please contact Justine Newell, project coordinator, at jnewell@bscs.org (719.219.4182). Or, bring your questions to the Orientation Meeting!

Again, thank you for your interest in the STeLLA Science Professional Development Program.

 

Sincerely,

The BSCS STeLLA Project Team