MyTeachingPartner-Mathematics/Science (MTP-M/S) is the winner of the 2010 Outstanding Practice Award, given by the Association for Educational Communications & Technology (AECT), a leading international organization for the field of Instructional Technology. This award signifies excellence in the design and implementation of instructional materials and systems, and is based on rigorous committee review of multiple works each year. MTP-M/S was produced by Dr. Mable Kinzie and a multi-disciplinary team from the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching & Learning (CASTL), at the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia.
MTP-M/S was designed to serve the needs of young children at-risk for early school failure, and the teachers who guide their learning. The project offers year-long curricula for pre-kindergarten mathematics and science, with engaging, cognitively demanding inquiry activities scaffolding students’ deep knowledge and skill development. Rich teacher supports are embedded within the curricula for quick and easy review during teachers’ preparation: Every activity features one or more short video demonstrations of high quality, high fidelity teaching practice, along with teaching tips and recommendations for both differentiated instruction (for children of differing knowledge and skills) and extensions across the school day and at home.
Results from a 2008-9 pilot implementation of MTP/MS suggest the effectiveness of the curricula for promoting students’ math and science learning. Analysis of data from a 2009-10 randomized field trial is now underway to examine effects of both the curricula and the teacher supports, for encouraging the quality and fidelity of teaching practice as well as students’ mathematics and science learning.
(This work has been supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R305A07068 to the University of Virginia.)
