A team of University of Arkansas at Little Rock professors will help train teachers to improve science education in central Arkansas kindergarten through fourth-grade classrooms.

The Arkansas Department of Education recently awarded the team a $146,812 grant to support its teacher training project that could be renewed an additional two years.

Led by Dr. Gail Hughes, UALR professor of educational leadership, the team will provide professional development sessions in science instruction for teachers from Bale, Booker Arts Magnet, and Pulaski Heights elementary schools, as well as Pulaski Academy and Little Rock Christian Academy.

Other UALR team members include: Dr. Anne Lindsay, Dr. Tony Hall, Kristy Kidd, Keith Harris, Sandra Leiterman, and Kelly Chaney. Dr. Nancy Hamilton, UALR assistant professor of educational foundations, will serve as the project’s external evaluator.

Thanks to the Department of Education grant, each training attendee will be given a $2,500 stipend, about $150 in books, and about $200 worth of materials.

UALR team members plan to work to ensure participants leave with an improved understanding of the Arkansas K-4 science standards and the tools and passion necessary to meet those expectations in their classrooms.

The professional development sessions are targeted at equipping participants with innovative methods for improving science interest and knowledge in elementary-age students. The sessions will focus on using unconventional tools, such as trade books instead of textbooks, to make science more accessible and engaging for young learners.

Professional development sessions will be held in the fall, spring, and summer, with the fall and spring sessions occurring online and on Saturdays and the summer sessions occurring during a two-week period.