GUIDELINES for AMSTI Site Operations

May 25, 2005

For additional information, contact:

Mr. Steve Ricks

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative

Classroom Improvement Section

State Department of Education

50 North Ripley Street

Montgomery, AL 36104

Telephone: (334) 242-8155

FAX: (334) 353-7139

GUIDELINES for AMSTI Site Operations

Overview

Essential Services

AMSTI Program

Purpose of AMSTI Site

AMSTI Site Location

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Site

AMSTI Site Staffing

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Director

Responsibilities of AMSTI Site Specialists

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Materials Manager*

AMSTI SCHOOLS

Selection

Summer Institute Participation

AMSTI School Requirements

AMSTI School Classification Removal

AMSTI Summer Institutes

Governance and Oversight of AMSTI Sites

Contract Renewal and Evaluation

Budget Requests

Acceptable Expenditures

Budget Policies

Salary Policies

Budget Categories

AMSTI Policies

Revised Policy Regarding Retraining of AMSTI School Teachers

M E M O R A N D U M

RE:Policy for Training of New Hires Following Summer Institutes

RE:Private and Parochial School Participation

Procedure for Coordinating AMSTI with ASIM

RE: Monthly Site Update Report

Monthly Site Update Report Form

Policy Regarding New AMSTI Schools with Previous Kit Experience

Science Modules

AMSTI Pullout Units for Math

GUIDELINES for

AMSTI Site Operations

Overview

The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) is the State Department of Education’s (SDE) initiative to improve math and science education in Alabama such that all students develop the skills necessary for success in postsecondary studies and in the workforce. AMSTI was designed by a Blue Ribbon committee composed of Grade K12 educators, higher education representatives, and business leaders. AMSTI was approved by unanimous vote of the Alabama State Board of Education in 2000.

Ultimate authority and control of AMSTI, including AMSTI Sites, rests with the SDE. This includes the awarding of local AMSTI Sites; determination of Summer Institute agendas, modules, and instruction; certification of AMSTI trainers; development of AMSTI curricula and modules; and selection of resources to support AMSTI.

AMSTI calls for the establishment of 11 local AMSTI Sites, one within each AlabamaRegionalInserviceCenter area. The role of AMSTI Sites is to implement AMSTI, under the supervision of the SDE, in the schools within the service region defined by the Alabama Regional Inservice Centers in which the AMSTI Sites reside.

Essential Services

AMSTI Sites provide the following three essential services to local schools that participate in the initiative, thereby enabling teachers to teach in a manner that will improve student achievement in math and science:

a)Professional development, including Summer Institutes, which has significant and meaningful math and science content and models instructional strategies.

b)Resources that include materials, supplies, and equipment needed for teachers to implement the instructional modules and strategies promoted by AMSTI with their students.

c)On-going support and mentoring throughout the year, including on-site support that enables teachers to improve their instructional skills.

AMSTI Program

The SDE oversees the AMSTI program, including accepting schools to participate in the program, determining content, agenda, and dates of Summer Institutes and defining the support to be provided throughout the year by the AMSTI Sites. AMSTI Sites select presenters for the Summer Institutes from a list of certified trainers provided by the Department. In certain situations, other presenters may be used for training during the Summer Institute, when approved in advance by the SDE. The SDE also identifies the specific resources that AMSTI Sites furnish to teachers/schools participating in the Initiative. AMSTI Sites are responsible for purchasing, distributing, and refurbishing these resources for AMSTI Schools. AMSTI Sites deliver quality professional development to Initiative teachers, including training that incorporates the effective use of the provided resources. Many of the resources are provided in easy-to-use "kit" form. Where possible, kits are shared among teachers/schools for maximum efficiency of resource use. Alabama Science in Motion (ASIM) works with each AMSTI Site and provides major support for the high school science portion of the Initiative. Similarly, Alabama Technology in Motion (ATIM) provides additional support for technology.

Purpose of AMSTI Site

The purpose of the AMSTI Site is to implement AMSTI in schools within the geographical region defined by the AlabamaRegionalInserviceCenter. Implementation of AMSTI includes providing schools with 1) resources, 2) professional development, and 3) on-site support.

AMSTI Site Location

Each AMSTI Site is to be physically located within the region that it serves. AMSTI Site regional service areas are delineated by the physical service areas of Alabama Regional Inservice Centers. No more than one AMSTI Site may be located in each region until all regions in the state are supported by AMSTI Sites. An AMSTI Site may choose to service regions directly adjacent to its defined region, provided adequate resources are available, until an AMSTI Site is implemented within the adjacent region. Priority for service rests with schools within the region in which the site is located.

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Site

The SDE will determine both the program for the Summer Institute and the specific math, science, and technology resources that will be provided by the AMSTI Sites to AMSTI Schools. AMSTI Sites will provide support to AMSTI Schools by furnishing, distributing, and refurbishing the math, science, and technology resources. AMSTI Sites will coordinate with Alabama Science In Motion, Alabama Technology In Motion, and GLOBE to provide services, including professional development and equipment, to AMSTI Schools. Resource materials supplied by the AMSTI Site must include, but are not limited to, those identified by the SDE.

The AMSTI Site will provide the following services to AMSTI Schools in its region:

  1. Summer Institute training in math, science, and technology as determined by AMSTI. AMSTI Schools will participate in the Summer Institutes (10 days each summer) for two consecutive summers
  2. Purchasing, refurbishing, and distributing resources identified by AMSTI and resources identified by the local AMSTI Site
  3. Follow-up professional development related to the Summer Institute and other professional development as identified by school needs, including specific professional development for teacher leaders
  4. Assistance with Planning/Implementation Teams
  5. Ongoing and frequent support by AMSTI specialists
  6. Research of current math and science practices
  7. Support of mentors, including assisting with mentor training, in cooperation with local schools/systems
  8. Completion of documentation required by AMSTI and the hosting institution
  9. Preservice assistance in math, science, and technology through partnerships and collaborative activities with institutions of higher education
  10. Teacher recruitment and induction assistance through partnerships and collaborative activities with institutions of higher education, local school systems, and other entities
  11. Assist with trainer certification and AMSTI module development, as requested by the SDE.

AMSTI Site Staffing

A minimum of one full-time director, one full-time certified math specialist, one full-time certified science specialist, and a materials manager will be hired by each AMSTI Site to support the work in its region. Additional positions, including clerical staff and additional specialists and materials workers, may be allowed, as needed, upon approval by the SDE. Hiring of the director and specialists shall involve a selection committee, and shall be in keeping with the policies of the institution associated with the AMSTI Site. However, the SDE shall be included in interviews of candidates and provided veto power for recommendations made by the hiring committee.

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Director

  1. Oversee and effectively coordinate the operation of the AMSTI Site, including supervision of its staff, in accordance with AMSTI policies
  2. Oversee and coordinate a Summer Institute (10 days) that includes instructional and resource components as identified by AMSTI for AMSTI Schools
  3. Oversee the operation of a materials distribution and refurbishment center
  4. Ensure that steps are taken to customize kits and materials so that they are teacher/classroom friendly
  5. Coordinate with Science in Motion, Technology in Motion, GLOBE, RegionalInserviceCenters, institutions of higher education, science centers/museums, and other related entities in implementing AMSTI, including providing services at the Summer Institutes
  6. Recruit schools to become AMSTI Schools
  7. Assist the SDE with developing a cadre of trainers to support current and future training programs
  8. Establish and oversee the management of a website page related to the activities of the AMSTI Site.
  9. Oversee teacher leader training in AMSTI Schools
  10. Maintain records of the following:

a.)Schools and teachers participating in various project components; i.e., Summer Institutes, inservice training, etc.

b.)Daily itineraries of staff

c.)Evaluations of Summer Institutes and other staff development activities needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Initiative

d.)Activities with businesses and higher education

e.)Financial operations and documentation as required by the SDE and the associated institution.

f.)Other documentation required by the SDE, local institution, and/or the funding source.

  1. Provide guidance to local schools in establishing AMSTI School Planning/Implementation Teams and in identifying teacher leaders
  2. Work closely with the local schools wishing to become AMSTI Schools, including assisting with developing teacher leaders, so as to help ensure the success of the initiative in these schools
  3. Oversee assistance to local schools/systems in establishing and implementing mentoring programs for new teachers
  4. Identify local needs in math and science, and make available the resources and professional development to address these needs
  5. Complete and submit all required paperwork in a timely manner
  6. Coordinate with other AMSTI Sites and provide assistance, as needed
  7. Pursue grants and other forms of funding to support the mission of AMSTI (must be approved in advance by the SDE).
  8. Develop guidelines and a request for application for use by local superintendents in soliciting applications from local schools, local school clusters and/or unified schools seeking to become AMSTI Schools
  9. Oversee the selection of schools that are recommended to the SDE to become AMSTI Schools
  10. Schedule AMSTI Site Advisory Council meetings at least two times a year and submit reports of such meetings to the SDE.
  11. Perform other duties assigned by AMSTI and/or the AMSTI Site Advisory Council
  12. Participate in professional development activities and staff meetings as required by the SDE.

Responsibilities of AMSTI Site Specialists

  1. Assist in providing a two-week Summer Institute that includes instructional and resource components as identified by AMSTI for AMSTI Schools.
  2. Provide frequent, on-going, on-site assistance to AMSTI Schools (Note: At least 75% of specialists' work time is expected to be relegated to on-site support, including travel to and from the site.)
  3. Assist AMSTI schools in effectively using learning teams (study groups) and common planning time to improve math and science instruction.
  4. Assist in developing a cadre of certified trainers to support current and future training programs
  5. Offer periodic professional development to established AMSTI Schools
  6. Provide training and guidance to AMSTISchool teacher leaders
  7. Assist in the effective operation of a materials distribution and refurbishment center including customizing kits and materials so that they are teacher/classroom friendly
  8. Conduct research on the effects of current math, science, and technology practices in AMSTI Schools, as requested by the SDE.
  9. Assist AMSTI Schools in establishing teacher recruitment programs
  10. Assist local schools/systems in establishing and implementing mentoring programs for new teachers
  11. Assist local colleges and universities with preservice and continuing education activities
  12. Provide professional development to other schools non-AMSTI schools in the region, as time permits
  13. Assist with the website pages related to the activities of AMSTI
  14. Assist in recruiting new AMSTI Schools
  15. Maintain records and complete paperwork in a timely manner
  16. Provide assistance to local schools in establishing AMSTI School Planning/Implementation Teams and in identifying teacher leaders
  17. Make available the resources and professional development identified by AMSTI that address the needs of AMSTI Schools
  18. Participation in professional development activities and staff meetings as required by the SDE.
  19. Perform other duties assigned by the AMSTI Site director or AMSTI state coordinator.

Responsibilities of the AMSTI Materials Manager*

  1. Oversee the operation of an AMSTI materials distribution and refurbishment center
  2. Supervise workers assigned to the materials center
  3. Coordinate the purchasing, inventorying, scheduling, and distribution of science and mathematics modules and materials
  4. Construct and refurbish math and science teaching kits
  5. Customize kits and materials so that they are teacher/classroom friendly
  6. Maintain a database of teachers who are participants in AMSTI, and materials that are used in AMSTI
  7. Assist the director in developing a schedule for the distribution and rotation of AMSTI modules toschools and teachers
  8. Coordinate the delivery and return of AMSTI kits and materials
  9. Communicate effectively with teachers about their materials usage and professional development, based oninformation provided by AMSTI staff
  10. Organize the materials center to ensure efficient use of space and storage of materials
  11. Provide reports to the site director or SDE regarding the teacher and materials database, material costs,distribution schedules, employee assignments and labor hours, as needed
  12. Assist AMSTI staff with preparation for programs, presentations, and operation of the MASTER Site
  13. Perform other duties as assigned by the site director or SDE

*Qualifications related to the Materials Manager position: College degree is preferred; proficiency in Microsoft Office and File Maker Pro; experience in inventory control, stocking and shelving; and the ability to lift heavy objects (at or above 40 pounds).

AMSTI SCHOOLS

Selection

Schools/systems will be accepted into the Initiative by an application process. The process should ensure equity to systems within the region. Schools selected to participate in the Initiative will be designated as Alabama Math, Science, and TechnologyInitiativeSchools (AMSTI Schools) and agree to meet specific requirements (outlined in the next section). AMSTI Sites will solicit applications from all school systems within the service region,in accordance with SDE policies. Schools are strongly encouraged to apply as school clusters. School clusters are schools that share a common body of students (i.e., schools that form a feeder pattern with students), including unit schools. The local superintendent will evaluate local schools and make recommendations to the AMSTI Site. More than one school cluster and/or unified school may be included in the application. The AMSTI Site director will oversee the evaluation of applications from local school systems and will make recommendations in the form of first choices and alternates to the SDE. Final selection of AMSTI Schools will be made by SDE. Preferential consideration will be provided to schools/systems that provide financial support for participating teachers who attend the Summer Institute and/or provide time during the school year for collaboration, planning, and training. In addition, preferential consideration will be given to schools/systems that provide release time to designated teacher leaders to assist other teachers in the implementation of the Initiative and/or that have taken preparatory steps for entering AMSTI.

Summer Institute Participation

AMSTI Sites will provide teachers from AMSTI Schools with 10 days of professional development during each Summer Institute, resources; and year-long, on-site support. AMSTI Sites will target all math and science teachers per AMSTISchool, with a minimum of 80% attendance required. In self-contained elementary grades, teachers will receive both math and science training. Each new group of teachers from AMSTI Schools will attend Summer Institutes for two summers. AMSTISchool teachers will receive similar support and services during the second year including participation in a second Summer Institute. AMSTI Sites will also accept a new cadre of schools to attend a first Summer Institute each year. This pattern of a cadre of schools returning to attend a second Summer Institute and another cadre of new schools attending a first Summer Institute will continue each year thereafter. AMSTI Sites continue to provide materials, equipment, and follow-up support to schools for as long as they remain AMSTI Schools.

AMSTISchool Requirements

  1. The school will designate a Planning/Implementation Team to work with the AMSTI Site throughout the year in planning and implementing AMSTISchool activities to ensure the success of the school in the Initiative. The team is to be composed of representatives of teachers, principal, the system's instructional supervisor, the school's business partnerships, and higher education.
  2. A minimum of 80 percent of the teachers of math and science, principals and other local administrators, will participate in a two-week Summer Institute for two years. The school system’s director of instruction (or resource specialists, where available) are required to attend. School staff who are not being paid as part of their regularly contracted work days will receive a stipend for attending. Local systems are encouraged to provide additional financial remuneration to Summer Institute participants beyond that furnished by AMSTI.
  3. Schools will structure time for teacher learning teams (study groups), collaboration, reflection, and additional inservice activities associated with AMSTI through strategic scheduling of planning periods, release time, and faculty meetings.
  4. Math, science, and technology teaching staff, principal, other local administrators, and the director of instruction (resource specialists where available) will participate in follow-up training during the school year. Schools/systems will work with the AMSTI Site staff in scheduling and providing at least one day of follow-up professional development associated with AMSTI.
  5. AMSTI Schools will serve as demonstration sites for other parties interested in learning about math, science, and technology improvement. Demonstration sites agree to allow other interested parties (such as staff from other schools) to observe math and science classes on an "as needed" basis.
  6. A teacher leader in math and a teacher leader in science will be designated by the local school/system at each AMSTISchool to support teachers in the school and to work with the AMSTI Site staff throughout the year.
  7. Schools are strongly encouraged to provide teacher leaders with dedicated release time and reduced responsibilities so they can better assist other teachers.
  8. The local school/system will establish a business partnership to support the process. AMSTI Sites may assist schools in initiating business partnerships when schools are unable to establish such relationships. It is recommended that business contacts be coordinated with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Education Coalition (AMSTEC).
  9. A local business representative will be a member of the Planning/Implementation Team.
  10. The school/school system will develop a mentoring program for new teachers of math and science, provided such a program does not already exist. AMSTI Site personnel will assist with the mentoring program.
  11. The school system agrees to form partnerships with a College of Education and/or the College of Arts and Science Departments of Math and Sciences and to include a representative from this partnership as a member of the Planning/Implementation Team.
  12. The school/school system agrees to implement the assessment plan for AMSTI and provide the AMSTI Site with all data necessary to assess the effectiveness of the program.
  13. Schools/school systems will be flexible in scheduling when the AMSTI designated curricular materials are used during the school year to effectively coordinate instruction with availability of resources.
  14. Schools will ensure that students with disabilities have access to AMSTI instruction in the general education curriculum.
  15. Schools agree to accept assistance from the AMSTI Site throughout the year, including on-site support and mentoring from the AMSTI Site specialists.
  16. Schools agree to cooperate with AMSTI, whenever possible, in the certification of staff to serve as AMSTI trainers.
  17. Schools agree to send personnel that are new hires and transfers in math and science to Summer Institutes.
  18. Resources provided by AMSTI to AMSTI Schools remain the property of AMSTI.
  19. Exceptions to this list shall be approved, in advance, by the SDE

AMSTISchool Classification Removal