The primary goal of this project is to improve K-8 teacher's abilities to deliver high-quality, inquiry-based science teaching in the Black Hills region of SD through intensive/systemic teacher enhancement activities which target all K-8 teachers.
Specific objectives of the BLAHST Project are to:
1. Improve all K-8 teachers' science content background and cognitive processing skills in accordance with National and State standards (SD NSF-SSI, 1995, National Research Council, 1996; AAAS, 1993).2. Improve all teachers' abilities to integrate, teach, manage, and assess high quality hands-on National science curriculum, which is based on constructivist pedagogical strategy, focuses on a select number of concepts, and builds on previous learning.
3. Create supportive teacher networks in the ten BLAHST school districts by:
-- Developing mentorships and partnerships between key stake holders (participating teachers, pre-service teachers, scientists, science educators, administrators, school boards, parents and community leaders) within the context of science teaching and learning that are reflective, long-term and self-sustaining.-- Establishing all schools in the region as professional development schools focused on science (S-PDS) with evolving cultures that are more conducive to experimentation, sharing, collaboration, and reflection. The S-PDS concept is envisioned as a partnership between preservice teachers, professional teachers, science and science education faculty, parents, community leaders, and administrators to enhance teaching/learning practices within a specific building.
4. Enhance diversity in the project by involving native american and other under-represented groups in all phases of the project.
5. Improve teacher's abilities to appropriately utilize computer technology.