2007 ANNUAL REPORT - cosmos - Bowling Green State University

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Appendix T: COSMOS Collaborative Council Minutes cont.
H. Steve explained a project at BGSU named Research-based Inquiry Physics Experiences
(R.I.P.E.),which hopes to attract 40 science teachers from pre-kindergarten through grade 3
to start teaching beginning concepts of physics at those early grade levels.
I. High school juniors and seniors will be invited to participate in a program funded by the
Ohio Board of Regents called Regents Environmental Academy for Learning (REAL). This project
has the goal of attracting around 50 students to stimulate an interest in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics that would encourage students to consider a career of teaching
secondary education in those fields. Drs. Chris Keil (Environmental Health) and Jodi Haney are
leading this program.
J. Mandy spoke on a potential new project, DREAMS (Developing Regional Excellence and
Achievement in Mathematics and Science education). The goal of this project is to increase
leadership capacity of regional mathematics and science teachers through quality professional
development. MSP projects that are funded will be announced Feb 15.
III. General Discussion
A. Time was allotted for members to break into small groups to focus on the highest needs of
students and teachers in their districts.
1. Teacher understanding and assessment of indicators: Some of the needs discussed
involved the fact that some teachers do not seem to understand fully the meaning of some
of the state indicators that they should be focusing their teaching on. Others mentioned
the need to raise the levels of math and science instruction, which would then, hopefully,
raise test scores of students in these areas. Science and/or Mathematics Curriculum Topic
Study and Lesson Lab for Mathematics were also both mentioned as professional
development tools to increase content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.
2. Mathematics courses in light of OhioCore:The nomenclature used for math curriculums in
different districts was discussed. For instance, what exactly does a course in integrated
math cover or just what are you supposed to teach in Algebra Two?
3. Building leadership capacity within schools for data based decision-making: The need
to thoroughly analyze multiple sources of data and then let findings productively guide
instruction was discussed. Lima City Schools’ data team structure was mentioned, as well
as short cycle assessments and developing instructional coaches within districts.
B. Topics mentioned through the general discussion will become working items for the rest of the
scheduled meetings. The next meeting was scheduled for March 14 at 3:00 PM. A new meeting
room may be announced because of the need for more space.
2 0 0 7 N W O Ce n t e r o f E xcellence • A p p e n d i x