Summer Curriculum Institutes The Science and Math Summer Curriculum Institute is a week-long opportunity to investigate in-depth the roles of gender and culture in science and math classrooms.  This exploration involves research-based exercises and current readings, a critical analysis of current teaching materials and methodologies, field-tested strategies for gender and cultural inclusion, resources and sample materials, and time for curriculum revision. The program enhances teacher tools for assisting all students to reach classroom and standardized learning objectives.

SCI Outline

During the institute, mentors guide participants.  These mentors are members of the Project PRISM team, other professionals in math and science teaching fields, and elders and other respected members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.  During the SCI, participants:

• Explore gender and culture, particularly regional Native American cultures,

• Investigate how gender and culture affect the learning and teaching that happen in math and science classrooms,

• Work with research-based tools and resources to critically evaluate existing materials in light of gender and culture, and

• Amend curricular materials and teaching strategies to make them relevant to all students, including females and students from non-dominant cultures.

Benefits

A number of benefits are available from the institute.  First, participants share the opportunity with like-minded teachers to participate in creative faculty development exercises designed to foster an increased awareness of how gender and culture impact teaching and learning.  Second, participants have the time and resources to critically look at the lessons and activities they currently use and explore infusing into them different methodologies, forms of assessment, and examples, with the objective of engaging all of their students.  Third, the strategies promoted at the institute are consistent with and support national and state standards in science and math.  Incorporating these strategies in teaching can promote skills being assessed in current national and state exams.

Professional Development Aids

• Participants receive resource materials focusing on gender and culture in the math and science classroom.

• Participants have the opportunity to earn undergraduate or graduate credits for participation in the institute through Washington State University, or Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction clock hours. (Tuition and clock hour expenses are the participant’s responsibility).

Follow-up

• Follow-up meetings are scheduled to allow teachers to pilot revised materials, share their experiences and learn from one another.