Overview
The Initiative for Schools, Industries and the Sciences (ISIS) is a professional development and technology loan program originally developed for secondary science teachers in 1996. Over the years, the program has expanded its horizons to include secondary mathematics teachers and elementary teachers. Since its inception, 193 teachers and 26,796 students have participated in the program from 49 schools located in 28 school districts throughout six counties in Northwest Indiana (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper and Starke).
The professional development programs for teachers are graduate level summer courses at Valparaiso University. Although specific topics vary each summer, the courses are technology-based and focus on inquiry-based learning approaches in teaching science and mathematics that are aligned with the Indiana Academic Standards. During the summer courses, teachers learn to use scientific instruments, equipment, and computer technology, and they develop inquiry-based lesson plans and projects using technology to implement during the school year. The ISIS administrator, Joe Lisowski, delivers the technology to teachers at their schools during the school year based on their requests. Joe also provides technical support and instructional assistance in the classroom. Follow-up training sessions are also held during the school year and in subsequent summers. |
Program Objectives
Engage teachers in high quality professional development training activities to:
- enhance their content knowledge and expertise
- improve their skills in using technology-supported inquiry-based learning to teach science and mathematics
- ensure their use of academic standards to improve student achievement
Provide students with technology-supported inquiry-based learning experiences in order to:
- engage them in scientific inquiry and investigation
- improve their understanding of science content and scientific practices
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New Program for Elementary Teachers
In 2004, Valparaiso University, the School City of East Chicago, and the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana (CLC) launched ISIS-ET (Initiative for Schools, Industries and the Sciences for Elementary Teachers) for elementary teachers in East Chicago. ISIS-ET is a professional development program that focuses on inquiry-based learning approaches using computer technology, digital cameras, microscopes, telescopes, horse skeletons, human skeletons, and hands-on activities in weather and environmental science. Teachers also complete one day of training at the Challenger Learning Center, and they are able to take their classes to the CLC during the school year as part of the program.
Given the success of ISIS-ET, Valparaiso University plans to offer professional development training opportunities to elementary teachers from other Northwest Indiana school districts in the summer of 2005. |
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