Candidate Search Events!!

Come participate in the selection of the next professor for TECS

Meet Alissa Lange, candidate for

Assistant Professor, Tenure Track,

Primary Education (Grades K-2) Child Development

Job Talk: 

Thursday, November 14, 1:30 @ Marks Meadow 128

Title: Improving early STEM education for children through research-based programs, professional development, and home-school-community connections

Early math and science skills are strong predictors of later academic success (Duncan et al., 2007; Grissmer et al., 2010). However, U.S. children fare worse than children from many other comparable countries on international comparisons of math achievement (Mullis et al., 2000; National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008). In addition, there are significant achievement gaps in subjects such as math and science between children who are members of groups considered of at-risk for lack of school readiness (e.g., dual-language learners) versus those who are not members of these groups (National Research Council, 2009; Sarama & Clements, 2009). Unfortunately, early childhood teachers are generally not well prepared to teach young children early science and math (Buxton, Lee, & Santau, 2008), and lack the confidence to do so (Copley & Padrón, 1999; Greenfield, Jirout, Dominguez, Greenberg, Maier, & Fuccillo, 2009). Fortunately, high quality programs and practices can make a difference. This presentation will outline our recent efforts to improve early STEM education, such as those to positively impact math outcomes for young children at-risk for lack of school readiness, to improve the quality of STEM teaching within the early childhood workforce, and to connect school, home, and community environments around early learning goals. These studies emphasize research-based approaches, highlight the value of linking content areas (e.g., math and language), and take the perspective that STEM can be enjoyable and accessible for all young children, and that teachers and families play a powerful role in children's development of these important skills.

Graduate Student Round Table:

Friday, November 15, 11:00-12:00 @ Furcolo 219