Planning Grant for the Enhancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Dine College

Dine College, Tsaile AZ

Investigators

Abstract

Planning Grant for the Enhancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at Dine' College Project Summary Dine' College seeks a TCUP planning grant to evaluate its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum with the objectives of: (a) improving as needed upon existing strengths in the health, biological and physical sciences together with mathematics; (b) expanding our capabilities in engineering and computer science, and (c) working with the College's Center for Dine' Teacher Education and articulating universities to develop an effective discipline-based STEM Education curriculum. That study will then be used as the basis of an action plan for developing a full implementation grant--to be submitted the following year--leading to an improved and expanded STEM program, ranging from a revised curriculum to improved classroom and laboratory infrastructure, added faculty, and an upgraded working relationship with Reservation employers and regional universities. The planning period will be for 12 months and will include four phases. * Phase 1 (August 15-November 15, 2003): An overall assessment of the present STEM program within the College infrastructure. It will include the aggregate impact on students of course offerings in STEM; of STEM faculty; and of such physical resources as laboratory and classroom space, laboratory equipment, and computer resources. * Phase II (November 16-February 14, 2004): A course by course evaluation of the STEM curriculum, including content, student preparedness and achievement, student demand, and teaching effectiveness. * Phase III (February 15-May 15, 2004): Development of an institutional plan leading to the preparation of a full implementation grant to facilitate growth and improvement. * Phase IV (May 16-August 15, 2004): A preliminary analysis of Phases I, II and III, leading to the development of a plan for evaluating progress during the implementation period. This planning process and the implementation to follow will have the intellectual merit of advancing STEM literacy within a significantly underserved population, Native American students. Their broader impacts will be derived from the development of a model academic STEM program that other Tribal Colleges will be able to use as a template in developing their own programs.