Dynamic Partnerships for 21st Century
Science and Mathematics Education
Texas Regional Collaboratives for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching is an award-winning network of P-16 partnerships that provide sustained, high-intensity professional development to P-12 teachers of science and mathematics.
Our Mission
To provide Texas science and mathematics teachers with support systems of scientifically researched, sustained, and high intensity professional development and mentoring to assist them in the implementation of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Our programs equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage students in meaningful science and mathematics learning experiences. Activities are designed to improve students’ scientific thinking, their mathematical and technological literacy, and interest to pursue science and engineering related careers.
Achievements
- Over three million students across Texas have benefited from the improved instruction and performance of participating teachers. The program has developed the knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity of approximately 35,500 teachers of science and mathematics through sustained and high intensity professional development. Many of these teachers serve as Science Teacher Mentors (STMs) and Mathematics Teacher Mentors (MTMs), and share their experiences with other teachers through mentoring, peer coaching, technical assistance, and workshops at the campus, district, and regional levels. Science and mathematics teachers in almost all of the state’s 254 counties have been the beneficiaries of this extensive statewide network.
- Certified a total of 192 science and mathematics teachers through the Mid-Career STEM Teacher Recruitment Project as of August 2011.
- Supporting 854 mentor teachers and 1792 beginning teachers as of October 2012 with the Beginning Teacher Induction and Mentoring Program (BTIM).
- Received commendation from U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, policy makers, legislators, and business partners; inducted into the Texas Science Hall of Fame, and recognized by the Governor, the Senate and House of Representatives for distinguished achievements and contributions to supporting excellence in science education.
One Year Data: May 1, 2011 - July 31, 2012
Student numbers based on an average student/teacher ratio of
80:1 in science and 84:1 in mathematics
Activities
- Professional Development Academies (PDAs) are provided to Instructional Teams that consist of professors of science, mathematics, and engineering education, instructional specialists and master teachers.
- Professional Development Programs designed by instructional teams at each Regional Collaborative provide 75 to 105 contact hours of TEKS-based professional development to prepare teachers to become Science Teacher Mentors (STMs), and Mathematics Teacher Mentors (MTMs).
- Honoring the Teachers events recognize and honor participating teachers and engage policy makers, legislators, and state leaders in the program.
- The Annual Meeting brings together teacher leaders, education and business leaders, policy makers, and legislators to share, network, communicate, and celebrate the achievements of the Collaboratives.
