South Fork Local Systemic Change Pilot Project

Oneida Special School District, Oneida TN

Investigators

Abstract

The intended two-year LSC Pilot project is a collaborative effort of eleven high poverty districts in the Appalachian region of Kentucky and Tennessee. Working together with universities and science rich institutions serving the area and building on positive results realized through the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI), the districts have targeted K-6 science as high priority (nine of these districts are working with ARSI). The intended project will prepare a cadre of 22 teachers and 11 administrators at 11 pilot schools (one in each district). Through summer institutes, academic study groups, job-embedded reflective tasks, and online facilitated discussions the teacher leaders strengthen their knowledge and skills in pedagogy, science content, and mentoring. Quality of professional development is assured through the involvement of national consultants, scientist and science educators from the University of Tennessee, Eastern Kentucky University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.