Goals and Objectives

Goal of the CSU-NASA Education Collaborative is to increase the availability and quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for current and future teachers, through collaboration between the largest provider of future teachers in California (California State University) and NASA Centers in California, in partnership with community colleges and K-12 educators.

Objective Area One: To develop educations materials, professional development structures & dissemination mechanisms

1. Establish collaborative structures for the seamless articulation of K-18 curriculum
2. Use of available materials & development of materials when appropriate
3. Develop strategies for accessing and incorporating materials in teacher preparation and enhancement
4. Provide professional development for current and future teachers for use of such materials
5. Disseminate and adopt materials, strategies, and professional development

Objective Area Two: To create ways and means to recruit and retain the next generation of STEM professionals

1. Focus recruitment strategies so as to reflect California's diverse population
2. Develop specific strategies to assist K-18 guidance counselors and career advisors to recruit & retain STEM professionals

Objective Area Three: to develop a framework for evaluation of the CSU/NASA Education Collaborative

1. Conduct research on the effects of the collaborative on K-12 student achievement, teacher preparation, and enhancement activities
2. Evaluate the effects of the education collaborative on the recruitment, retention, and demographic profile of STEM professionals

Objective Area Four: to develop a professional exchange program

1. A CSU faculty-NASA professional exchange program will be instituted
2. NASA professional role models will be available to speak to prospective STEM professionals