Professional Development

Project SMART centers around what researchers have proven to be the most critical factor influencing student achievement: the classroom teacher. The Project SMART leadership team contends that the promotion of knowledge requires more than reliance on scripted material, such as is seen and promoted in many classrooms today. They believe that innovative practices need to be responsive to teachers' work and needs, rather than disconnected from the reality of today's classrooms and students. Therefore, all of the techniques being used in this project are designed to be efficient, effective, and adaptable, making them "teacher-friendly" while aiming for the highest quality of instruction.

The 90 K-2 teachers participating Project SMART will be enrolled in two "cohort" groups. Forty-five teachers (fifteen at each grade level) will engage in professional development activities beginning in spring 2008; the remaining 45 teachers will join in the project one year later in spring 2009. All teachers will attend a two-day introduction training the first spring that they are enrolled in the project, and a five-day SMART Summer Institute the first summer. Teachers will then engage in additional professional learning community (PLC) group meetings throughout the school year, and a follow-up two day Summer Institute their second year of enrollment. Stipends will be provided to teachers for their participation on non-school days, and substitutes will be provided for any activities/meetings occurring during the school year.

At the professional development sessions, Chapman science and mathematics faculty will work with practicing Anaheim City School District teachers and future elementary teachers enrolled in Chapman's teacher education program on their understanding of science, math, and technology, while Chapman education faculty will work with participants on strategies for delivering science-based integrated instruction in the primary grades.