WEST-CENTRAL TEXAS REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE TEACHING – AN ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN EARTH SCIENCE

Texas has an extensive network of 20 regional collaboratives focused to develop excellence in science teaching for K-12 teachers. The state uses Educational Service Centers (for each region) to provide professional development and curriculum support to the teacher. Region 14, from the Big Country of Texas, formed a partnership with Hardin-Simmons University in 1995. HSU has provided eight earth science summer workshops during in this time. The programs run for three weeks and center on a three-day field trip. Various areas of earth science interest have been explored that include mineral and rock collecting, ocean and river processes, environmental issues of water, astronomy, and excavating dinosaurs. Over 100 teachers have participated in past programs and new teachers enter the program each year. The successful teachers become mentors to others from their respective schools and thus share their learning experience.

The teachers receive a pre- and post-course assessment of the subject matter. Several methods to communicate the content of the program are used. Teachers learn to prepare portfolios and presentations that allow them to incorporate the new skills and knowledge they obtain from each seminar. They are trained to use digital cameras, presentation software, and are introduced to new science kits and tools. These kits are available on a check out basis from the service center. The program parallels the Texas Education Agency requirements for classroom content.

During the past two years more attention to assessment of classroom outcomes has occurred. Program teachers are involving their students in many activities related to home and community improvement. Some teachers are engaging their students to produce “Travelling Trucks” that are theme and grade specific. One set of trunks made by area 6th graders is about the “Dinosaurs of Texas.” It is a collection of reading materials and classroom activities about dinosaurs for K-4 students. The trunk was produced specifically to support a museum exhibit on the “Dinosaurs of Texas” featured at the Grace Museum of Abilene. The exhibit was planned and produced by a Big Country group of high school students known as the Bone Heads. The teachers involved with the Bone Heads are members of the Texas Regional Collaborative for Excellence in Science Teaching.