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College of Education Office of the Dean East Carolina University 154 Speight Building ● Greenville, NC 27858-4353 252-328-4260 office ● 252-328-4219 fax www.ecu.edu May 4, 2007 For Immediate Release Page 1 of 2

ECU Creates Online Professional Development Science Modules for Teachers

Greenville, NC - In response to requests from area superintendents for online professional development offerings in science, ECU announces a series of modules available to K-12 teachers beginning in June. The Center for Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education in the College of Education has developed a comprehensive program of work consisting of 12-hour modules that are delivered asynchronously over the Internet. Participants may complete assignments at their convenience before submitting them to a course facilitator. Teachers have the option to take one or more modules (up to four per course), to address science content, teaching and assessment strategies, and methods to enhance reading and writing skills in the context of science. Once successfully completing four modules in a course (48 hours of work), participants may opt to register for graduate credit, which requires an implementation project.

Many science teachers who participate in Center activities live beyond convenient driving distances from the university. The online courses provide an opportunity for those teachers to access high-quality, challenging learning experiences without leaving home. Facilitators for the modules will be available to respond to participants’ questions and concerns—and will also provide immediate feedback on assignments that are submitted.

Each module addresses science content found in the NC Standard Course of Study for Science, using online versions of that document as well as National Science Education Standards, and Benchmarks for Science Literacy—sources of information recommended by North Carolina’s Department of Public Instruction. Relevant websites and readings are

East Carolina University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer College of Education Office of the Dean East Carolina University 154 Speight Building ● Greenville, NC 27858-4353 252-328-4260 office ● 252-328-4219 fax www.ecu.edu Page 2 of 2 provided as additional resources. Teachers who complete a four-module course will be eligible to take two additional on-line courses—Advanced Pedagogy in Science, and Science Leadership.

Courses currently available are: K-2 Science, 3-5 Science, Grade 6 Science, Grade 7 Science, Grade 8 Science, Physical Science, Earth/Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Module One in each course will be available this summer. For further information and registration instructions, contact Karen Dawkins at [email protected] or 252.328.6885 or access the Center’s website: http://www.coe.ecu.edu/csmte.

East Carolina University is a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer