iSMART (Integrated Science Math and Reflective Teaching for Texas Middle School Teachers)

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The Department of Curriculum and Instruction offers this degree program.

Purpose & Focus

iSMART (integration of Science, Mathematics and Reflective Teaching) is a FREE 2-year program for Texas middle school science and math teachers who want the convenience of an online program, but don't want to give up the rigor of traditional coursework.  We are simulating a face-to-face classroom into an online environment through the use of digital and Web 2.0 technology thus changing the face of online learning. We'll focus on the integration of science and mathematics while building in-depth content and pedagogical knowledge as well as leadership skills, all through reflective collaboration with online classmates.  During the program, participants can expect to work on analyzing and writing curriculum, examining theories of learning and models of science and mathematics integration, studying children’s thinking about math and science, and will use video to reflect on their own teaching practice.

Eligibility

Of each cohort of 25 students, approximately half of those admitted will be science teachers and half will be mathematics teachers.  Ideally, students will work in pairs, one math teacher and one science teacher, at one school.  However, not all students who are admitted to the program will be part of a pair within one school.  The online nature of the program allows cohort members to be spread out geographically across the state of Texas.

An eligible candidate:

iSMART Curriculum Topics

iSMART Course Activities

Participating teachers will:

Summer and Coursework Commitments

• There is a REQUIRED iSMART orientation at the University of Houston main campus before the start of coursework. This year’s orientation is: Wednesday, June 8, 2011 (noon) to Friday, June 10, 2011 (5:00 pm). iSMART teachers will receive a stipend at the end of the orientation to compensate for travel and lodging expenses. Activities during this time are designed to help you get to know your colleagues, the technology and the faculty who will be teaching the courses.
• There are REQUIRED summer activities for a FULL week at the University of Houston main campus the summer between the two academic years of the program, dates TBA. The dates are typically the first full week after Texas public schools are out. iSMART teachers will receive a stipend at the end of the week to compensate for travel and lodging expenses.
• iSMART teachers will be enrolled in 6 - 9 graduate credit hours per semester and should expect to participate in asynchronous online instructional activities and assignments 6-9 hours a week. Furthermore, for the two-year program, iSMART teachers must be available at a computer with a webcam for synchronous instruction Wednesdays, 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
•  iSMART teachers understand that for evaluation and research purposes, they will be asked to complete surveys, participate in interviews and will be observed throughout the program. iSMART teachers will also take pre- and post-tests that will measure their content and pedagogical knowledge.

Application Process

Send admissions materials to:
Ms. Renee Rattelade,
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
University of Houston,
4800 Calhoun Road
Farish Hall, STE. 112,
Houston, TX 77204-5027
Please mark all materials as "iSMART"

After all of an applicant’s materials are received and reviewed, selected candidates will be contacted to schedule a Webcam interview with iSMART program administrators.