Texas Tech University

Proyecto el SMEd: English Learner Science & Math Education

The Proyecto project has ended. This page is presented as a record of its activities.

Proyecto English Learner (EL), Science and Math Education (Proyecto EL SMEd) is a federally funded project that supports on-going and intensive professional development activities aimed at improving classroom practice for English Learners (ELs) in science and mathematics education (SMEd). Mainstream and bilingual teachers serving ELs will be required to complete five courses designed to develop their pedagogical content knowledge in science and mathematics in relation to ELs. These courses, based on research-based methods to develop academic literacy, will serve as the basis for obtaining a TTU degree.

Access the English Learner Strategy Rubric Training Manual

Conference

The 2016 Proyecto EL SMEd Conference for ELL Science and Math Education was held at the Region 17 Center on February 13, 2016.

View the Conference Video on Mediasite

2016 Proyecto EL SMEd Concluding Flyer

proyecto concluding flyer

Project Goals

The Goals of Proyecto EL SMEd are to:

  • Promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education;
  • Increase opportunities for in-service teachers to engage in high-quality, sustained professional development in STEM subjects that benefit ELs;
  • Improve EL learning opportunities and outcomes in elementary schools based on high quality data.

Proyecto EL SMEd is a collaborative research effort that involves Frenship ISD, Lubbock ISD, the TTU College of Education Center for Research on Leadership and Education, the TTU Mathematics and Statistics Department, as well as the TTU Physics Department.

If you have any questions regarding Proyecto EL SMEd feel free to call:

Magdalena Pando, Ph.D.
Project Director / Research Associate
Center for Research in Leadership and Education
Texas Tech College of Education
magdalena.pando@ttu.edu

Required Program Courses

MATH 5360 Advanced Mathematics for Teachers.

This is an inquiry-based course in elementary school mathematics with a focus on conceptual algebraic functions and geometric concepts. Attention is also devoted to relationships to science content.

EDCI 5373 Designing Project-Enhanced Environments for Science and Mathematics.

This course introduces interdisciplinary pedagogies, technologies, tools, and instructional strategies for designing and developing project-enhanced environments in science and mathematics classrooms.

PHYS 5371 Conceptual Physics for Teachers.

This is an inquiry-based course in elementary physical principles of mechanics, heat, electricity, and magnetism. This course emphasizes the relationship between motion, forces, and simple physics. Attention is also devoted to the relationships between physical sciences and mathematics. Discussion of pedagogy is provided to facilitate the teaching of targeted concepts.

EDBL 5306 Enhancing Academic Literacy in Science & Mathematics.

This course introduces instructional approaches inspired by post-constructivist theories for developing academic literacy in elementary school science and mathematics. The focus is on innovative approaches to maximizing diverse students' learning growth potential, conceptual understanding, and academic language development.

EDCI 5372 Assessment Issues in Science and Math Education.

This course guides exploration of current issues related to assessment, multiple dimensions of assessment, and the processes of assessment in mathematics and science education. Attention is devoted to differentiated instruction, ways of knowing, and alternative assessments.

All of these courses can be applied towards a Master's Degree in Bilingual/ESL education, as well as a doctoral degree in Curriculum & Instruction.