Support for long-term classroom planning and professional development. This project is designed to enhance elementary and secondary teachers' and teacher aides' skills in hands-on math and science. Hands-on science and math along with the development of community educational alliances are emphasized in this project. Participants experience a variety of culturally relevant activities and materials as they prepare for the development of community alliances and hands-on math and science in their classes. Academic year activities include on-site visits and observations, a leadership workshop, and community alliance meetings in which educators, community members, and parents form local alliances to provide support and resources to enhance the math and science education of American Indian students.
Participants develop lesson activities and action plans, and keep portfolios of their work.
Participants also conduct a minimum of three local workshops as well as attend all local community alliance meetings throughout the academic year. At least one new hands-on activity is completed each week. Another major outcome of this project is the development of local community alliances. These are crucial to the continuation and application of learning beyond project completion. Participants also update their portfolios on a regular basis as they implement culturally relevant hands-on math and science.