Research Experiences for Teachers in Areas of Innovative and Novel Technologies in Philadelphia

This award provides funding for a 3 year standard award to support a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Site program at Drexel University entitled, "Research Experiences for Teachers in Areas of Innovative and Novel Technologies in Philadelphia (RETAIN)," under the direction of Dr. Mun Young Choi. This renewal proposal will continue and expand efforts to make a significant impact in the education of the teacher workforce in the Philadelphia area by focusing on middle school and high school mathematics and science teachers from the urban school district of Philadelphia. The RETAIN program will consist of five components: 1) Engineering Technical Literarcy and Experience; 2) Research Experience; 3) Professional Development (including grant writing, ethics training, research website development, etc.); 4) Bridging Technology and Curriculum (innovative classroom lesson plans that integrate laboratory discoveries); and 5) Mentorship and Outreach. This program integrates the College of Engineering, renowned for its focus in emerging technology and the School of Education that focuses on the application of technology to pedagogy, with a bold plan to help teachers in the 5th largest metropolitan area in the U.S. to implement a comprehensive reform in K-12 math and science education.