Arkansas STRIVE Fact Sheet

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PURPOSE

• To improve math, science and technology teaching in Arkansas through the use of inquiry-based and problem-solving approaches.

• To increase teachers' abilities to prepare students for the demands of a global workforce.

OVERVIEW

• Arkansas STRIVE places up to 30 secondary school science, math, and computer teachers into summer research positions where they receive hands-on, real-world experiences in industries, businesses, government agencies, research facilities, universities, and nonprofit organizations.

• Teachers learn to develop lessons that teach questioning and problem-solving skills to their students.

• The program was developed by a consortium: the Arkansas Departments of Education and Higher Education, Arkansas Environmental Federation, National Center for Toxicological Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

TEACHER BENEFITS

• Professional growth and hands-on experience in research and problem-solving.

• Application of their newly acquired knowledge in the classroom.

• Summer stipend and professional development or graduate credit.

• On-going, local contacts with mentors at teachers' research sites.

STUDENT BENEFITS

• Improved problem-solving abilities through the use of inquiry-based and problem-based teaching approaches.

• Increased technological knowledge and interest in careers in science, math, and technology.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Provided summer research opportunities for 625 teachers since 1990; 429 teachers in 1997 - 2009.

• Served teachers from 123 school districts and 67 counties in Arkansas.

• Placed teachers with over 91 different organizations in 42 counties.

• Received a good or excellent rating from 84% of the teachers at providing new materials and perspectives for the teachers' classrooms.

• Increased class field trips to industry and research facilities and exposure of students to use of math and science in the modern world.

• Increased use of calculators, computers, and technology in teachers' classrooms.

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