Subjects will be selected to mirror contemporary middle-grades science curricula and the content standards of Georgia's revised QCC for middle grades. The purpose of NTSC 7685, broadly, is to improve middle-grades teachers' content background and understanding of basic physical science concepts. The following is taken from the Project Description section of a Teaching and Learning Grant submitted to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. This report also cites research linking teacher qualifications and student learning. Attendance is expected.
Unexcused absences carry a zero for that day's discussion.
Students who anticipate being absent from an exam for a legitimate reason will be allowed to take the exam at a time mutually agreeable to student and instructor, but no more than one class day before or after the normally scheduled test date. In either case, documentation of the reason for the absence must be supplied. Unexcused absences on test days result in a grade of zero for that test. Each class period will include time for activities with simple materials for which short reports will be turned in. The group consensus answers will be graded and recorded for each student in the group.