Goals
The Title V-Retooling Science program’s overall goal is to increase post-secondary education enrollment in science and to assess the college readiness of 11th and 12th graders in science and mathematics.
In December 2007, math and science students from six participating area high schools (Krop, Goleman, Hialeah, Hialeah-Miami Lakes, Turner Tech and Norland) were assessed for college readiness. The assessment tool was developed in collaboration with MDC North Campus math and science faculty, and Miami Dade County Public Schools' administrators.
Science and math online learning resources were made available to all the students who took the assessment test. Training and online access was provided to the participating high school teachers during a workshop held at MDC North Campus in January 2008. The math teachers were trained on how to provide their students with access to PLATO modules, a web-based math tutorial. Additionally, the science
teachers were trained on how to provide their students with access to the online databases, Science Online and Today's Science. Online access was available during four month, from February through May 2008.
Test scores show that 58% of students who had access to the PLATO math online learning resources during the four months, and were assessed again at the end of the school year improved their grades. This group of students improved their grades by 12%.
High school students, teachers and administrators participating in the program will have access to a variety of resources in science and mathematics instruction.
The five-year program includes the following yearly activities:
- 2006-07 - Establish goals and collaborative agreement
- 2007-08 - Develop mathematics and science assessment tests and online materials
- 2008-09 - Develop science career materials and advising tools
- 2009-10 - Pilot science and mathematics summer camps
- 2010-11 - Pilot mathematics and science tutoring systems