NSF Award
0323096
Planning Grant for the Enhancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, <br/>and Mathematics at Dine' College <br/>Project Summary <br/><br/> Dine' College seeks a TCUP planning grant to evaluate its science, technology, engineering <br/>and mathematics (STEM) curriculum with the objectives of: (a) improving as needed upon existing <br/>strengths in the health, biological and physical sciences together with mathematics; (b) expanding <br/>our capabilities in engineering and computer science, and (c) working with the College's Center for <br/>Dine' Teacher Education and articulating universities to develop an effective discipline-based <br/>STEM Education curriculum. That study will then be used as the basis of an action plan for <br/>developing a full implementation grant--to be submitted the following year--leading to an improved <br/>and expanded STEM program, ranging from a revised curriculum to improved classroom and <br/>laboratory infrastructure, added faculty, and an upgraded working relationship with Reservation <br/>employers and regional universities. The planning period will be for 12 months and will include <br/>four phases. <br/><br/>* Phase 1 (August 15-November 15, 2003): An overall assessment of the present STEM <br/>program within the College infrastructure. It will include the aggregate impact on students <br/>of course offerings in STEM; of STEM faculty; and of such physical resources as laboratory <br/>and classroom space, laboratory equipment, and computer resources. <br/>* Phase II (November 16-February 14, 2004): A course by course evaluation of the STEM <br/>curriculum, including content, student preparedness and achievement, student demand, and <br/>teaching effectiveness. <br/>* Phase III (February 15-May 15, 2004): Development of an institutional plan leading to the <br/>preparation of a full implementation grant to facilitate growth and improvement. <br/>* Phase IV (May 16-August 15, 2004): A preliminary analysis of Phases I, II and III, leading <br/>to the development of a plan for evaluating progress during the implementation period. <br/><br/>This planning process and the implementation to follow will have the intellectual merit of <br/>advancing STEM literacy within a significantly underserved population, Native American students. <br/>Their broader impacts will be derived from the development of a model academic STEM program <br/>that other Tribal Colleges will be able to use as a template in developing their own programs.
