Professional Development Model
LEVEL-I: This is the entry level for the TRA and provides instruction in basic knowledge and skills associated with a specific scientific discipline. It is comprised of three days of instruction, including hands-on activities, use of scientific equipment, tours of research labs, and lectures by research scientists. Teachers are provided with content materials and activities that they can use to integrate cutting-edge science in their standards-based instruction at grades 6-14. An equipment loan program is available for graduates of Level-1. This material is aligned with the California and National Science Standards. May elect to earn 1.0 CSU semester credits for an additional charge, or receive graduate credit of 1-quarter unit as a part of a Masters of Science degree in Education for Curriculum Development from CSU East Bay. No prerequisites are required.
LEVEL-II: This level provides instruction in advanced knowledge and skills. The program is comprised of five days of instruction, including hands-on activities using the science technology of the discipline and science lectures by practicing scientists This curriculum develops advanced skills and knowledge consistent with the requirements to teach advance placement or college preparatory courses. This material is aligned with the California and National Science Standards. Participants may elect to earn 2.0 CSU semester credits for an additional charge, or receive graduate credit of 2-quarter units as a part of a Masters of Science degree in Education for Curriculum Development from CSU East Bay. Level-1 is the prerequisite, however, a waiver for Level -1 is available for teachers who can demonstrate competency in the requisite skills and knowledge.
LEVEL-III: Teachers who have completed Levels I and II participate in a pre-internship experience that prepares them to become a member of a research team. They develop their knowledge of research methods and practices sufficient to enable them to work in a mentored research assignment. The program is lectures by scientists on research strategies, technical writing and job shadowing in research labs. Participants may elect to earn 2.0 CSU semester credits for an additional charge, or receive graduate credit of 2-quarter units as a part of a Masters of Science degree in Education for Curriculum Development from CSU East Bay.
LEVEL-IV: This level is a minimum of a 30-day mentored research experience as member of an interdisciplinary research team. Participants produce deliverables, including a research paper based upon the experience, a lesson to extend the research into the classroom, and a final presentation to the Level-4 cohort on their research experience and how they believe it will contribute to their teaching practice in the coming years. Participants may elect to earn 3 CSU semester credits at the University rate, or receive graduate credit, of 5.0 quarter units as a part of a Masters of Science degree in Education for Curriculum Development from CSU East Bay.
