SMARTS
Science and Math Avenues to Renewed Teachers and Students

The SMARTS project is a three-year Math-Science Partnership Grant from the Iowa Department of Education.

The SMARTS project is a result of the collaboration among the University of Iowa, Grant Wood AEA, and districts with the goal of improving elementary student achievement in mathematics and science. SMARTS Project activities are coordinated by a group of science and math educators from the University of Iowa and Grant Wood AEA.

Participating districts include Anamosa, Cedar Rapids, College Community, Iowa City, Vinton-Shellsburg, and Washington.

This project has three objectives:

Enhance science and math instruction through an inquiry approach



Improve student achievement, and



Nurture collaboration among participating teacher teams

The project offers graduate credit and stipends to participants.

Click here for sign-in to SMARTS WebBoard

Building Professional Learning Communities through Lesson Study the SMARTS Way
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Brown Deer Golf Club
Conference Center
1900 Country Club Drive
Coralville
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
This workshop will introduce participants to Lesson Study, an effective approach to onsite professional development with a focus on student learning. Practitioners who have been involved in the SMARTS project, a Math-Science Partnership grant, the past three years will share their experiences and provide ideas about how to replicate this approach in area schools.

SMARTS Lesson Study workshop brochure [773.5 KB]

Academic Year Seminars, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at
Grant Wood AEA, 4401 Sixth St., SW, Cedar Rapids
April 9, 2008