ASSET Incorporated research and development projects - ASSET Inc. (Achieving Student Success Through Excellence in Teaching), pittsburgh pennsylvania


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ASSET's Research & Development Projects are the means to develop cutting-edge, new products and services. The R&D process begins by identifying and defining needs through a collaborative relationship with members and partners. A focus group of classroom teachers is convened so resulting products and services meet the needs of students achieving the standards. Typically, the product or service is launched the next year via the District Next Steps Conference followed by district training and classroom use.

Technology Infusion for Educators (Teachers Teaching Teachers Technology - Tech 4)
The Technology Infusion Focus Group is working to assist teachers in applying information technology to classroom lessons. Tech 4 will empower teachers to infuse technology into a standards-based science curriculum. This project is a partnership with Quaker Valley School District, Grable Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation and Heinz Endowments and will result in an Institute for Technology and other courses.

iSEM and the RJLG (interactive Scanning Electron Microscope and R.J. Lee Group)
A partnership with R.J. Lee Group, Duquesne University and Waynesburg College, this R&D project will incorporate the use of an interactive scanning electron microscope into the standards-based science curriculum. The project will likely produce a CD with samples along with training on enhancement lessons for specific modules.

PTEI/CSC Partnership (Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Institute/Carnegie Science Center)
ASSET is working with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Institute and the Carnegie Science Center to develop the educational components of a Science Center exhibit on tissue engineering that builds upon the modules used in the ASSET program. The project also may include Web-based dissemination of key concepts in the exhibit, such as a CD, training on enhancement lessons and a teachers' guide. Other partners in the project are Kalyani Raghavan, University of Pittsburgh (Learning Research Development Center) and Model Assisted Reasoning about Physical Properties and Force Concepts (MARS).

Administrators Forum and Lesson Study
ASSET is piloting an Administrators Forum to provide administrators with an understanding of inquiry-based learning, content knowledge on the science modules being used in their buildings, and how science concepts embedded in the modules link to national and state science education standards. Administrators also will learn how to support teachers in Lesson Study, a process engaging teachers in working collaboratively to plan, evaluate and improve lesson design.

Inquiry Science Endorsement
Currently in its second year as a pilot project, Inquiry Science Endorsement (ISE) is a partnership with Duquesne University, California University, Robert Morris University and ASSET member districts designed to facilitate the preparation of prospective teachers for inquiry-based science education classrooms. Ideally, new teachers entering the school system will be proficient in teaching science the inquiry way. The process of earning the endorsement requires demonstrations of knowledge and skills in science content, methods, and application to teaching.

Teachers Inquiry
Teachers Inquiry is continuing in its second year of development in partnership with Duquesne University. Professional development sessions are designed to guide Institute for Inquiry (IFI) graduates to the next level of inquiry. Teachers learn how to use inquiry/action research as professional development by conducting and sharing their own teacher research culminating in a presentation to their peers at the Teachers Inquiry Conference.