Research & Impact

The STEM Outreach Center research agenda, developed over the last 20 years, shows an evolution of research projects. Results continue to inform our programs and the broader community.

  Research Timeline Click to enlarge image  

 

Prior Research

  • Systemic Change
  • Communities of Practice

Current Research

  • Using games to teach conceptual gaps
  • Specialized knowledge for teaching mathematics
  • Studying how to build engagement in secondary mathematics

Lessons Learned

  • The importance of coordinating activities and expectations with partner districts focused on student learning and achievement
  • The value of grounding professional learning experiences and coursework in actual classroom experiences and using data and artifacts
  • The characteristics of effective experiences for students, teachers, and principals
  • The effectiveness of focusing on school/district needs

  Student Impact

  • Gains in achievement for teachers participating in professional learning partner districts are greater than state averages
  • Over 85 percent of students enrolled in the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) showed improvement in academic learning this past year