QUEST: Promoting quality elementary science teaching

QUEST is a year-long professional development program consisting of a summer institute, fall and spring full-day follow-up sessions, online collaboration/discussion, and classroom support visits by project staff.

summer Institute JULY 6-17, 2009

The 2009 QUEST Summer Institute will take place July 6-17 on the MU Campus. Sessions will take place Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. The first week of the institute focuses on science content related to electrical circuits, as well as pedagogical strategies including inquiry, formative assessment, and Universal Design for Learning. During the second week of the institute, teachers will have the opportunity to apply their new knowledge and skills by working with elementary-age children enrolled in the QUEST summer academy for students.

Two full-day sessions for administrators will take place during the institute as well. Participating administrators will have an opportunity to develop school-based action plans to support implementation of project activities at their campus, and receive additional funding to apply toward their efforts.

academic year follow-Up sessions

Two follow-up sessions will be held during the academic year. The fall session will take place in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM). The spring session will be held at MU.

classroom support visits

Project staff will visit each teacher's classroom twice during the year, to observe his/her science teaching and provide individualized feedback and support. This support can extend to co-teaching, lesson planning, locating resources, or strategizing ways to help a particular child.

who can apply?

All K-6 teachers in Missouri are eligble to apply. Priority will be given to applicants from partner districts (St. Louis Public Schools, Hazelwood School District, and the Archdiocese of St. Louis). Schools are encouraged to send a team of at least two teachers to enable collegial support for implementing project activities. School-based teams may be accompanied by an administrator (see below).

what will teachers receive?

Participating teachers will receive:

Lodging and meals plus a $50 travel stipend during the summer institute
A $1000 stipend for participation in the summer institute and an additional stipend of $200 for participation in follow-up activities during the academic year.
A classroom set of equipment and supplies to enable implementation of project activities in the classroom
Copies of professional books related to formative assessment, inquiry, and Universal Design for Learning
Ongoing support through interaction with colleagues in the program
A certification of completion toward earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Teachers have the option to earn graduate credit for C&I 8900: Inclusive Methods for Teaching Science in Elementary Schools (3cr.) (*tuition is not provided)

what will administrators receive?

Administrators who opt to participate in two full-day sessions during the institute will receive:

Lodging and meals during the two sessions
A $500 stipend to support school-level implementation of project activities
Copies of professional books related to formative assessment, inquiry, and Universal Design for Learning
Support in seeking additional funding through the MU Partnership for Educational Renewal Teacher Study Grants program

what is the commitment?

Schools/districts commit to:

Provide substitutes and release time (2 days) for participating teachers to attend Fall and Spring follow-up sessions
Provide funding for teachers to attend the STOM Professional Development Conference

Participating teachers commit to:

Participate in both summer and academic year QUEST activities
Submit a completed lesson plan that demonstrates what they learned through participation in the program (to be published on the QUEST website)
Additionally, returning teachers are expected to submit a proposal to present at the 2009 annual STOM Professional Development Conference

how do i apply?

To apply, please print and complete the application (linked in left navigation bar). Application materials may be mailed, faxed, or sent via email.

Note: Teachers MUST include the administrative letter of commitment and submit a lesson plan along with their application.

Registration materials and additional info will be provided following notification of acceptance into the program. PLEASE NOTE THAT TO GUARANTEE CONSIDERATION, YOUR MATERIALS MUST ARRIVE BY APRIL 30TH!

Applications and inquiries should be directed to:

Dr. Deborah Hanuscin, Project Director
QUEST Program
303 Townsend Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
[click to send an email]
(573) 884-2527 (phone)
(573) 884-2917 (fax)