Abstract

What about teacher preparation produces high quality teachers and high performance teaching for student achievement? Do we look for answers not only 'out of the box ' but 'over the edge' of convention? To propose an answer, we consider the life and work of the fifteenth-century astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus, who, not satisfied with historically accepted Ptolemaic theories about the nature of the movements of planets in the universe, set about constructing a revolutionary new system which properly located the sun where it still sits-at the center of our universe.

The central focus of the Copernicus Project is on improving the achievement of students in science through improved teacher quality. Undeniably student needs extend far beyond the classroom, but research has found more and more evidence that teacher factors do account for much of the variance in student achievement. The Copernicus Project will be centered in the continuum of science teacher preparation and development utilizing a high quality collaborative of partners across the teaching continuum. The collaborative will achieve sustained outcomes that will benefit future teachers and students through the sharing of resources, the development of a continuous science field work component across institutions, and the sharing of science expertise to prepare and develop teachers with strong science content knowledge. Future science teachers will be identified early; diverse candidates will be recruited, teacher preparation programs will be high quality and focused; new teachers will receive sustained, mentored support; and veteran teachers will be encouraged and supported in ongoing professional development towards National Board Professional Teacher Certification. Summer Institutes, Community College and University coursework, induction experiences, and professional development opportunities will utilize technology rich resources and activities to create, assess, and disseminate project products and results. By effectively preparing new teachers and supplementing the knowledge of veteran teachers in science, teachers will be better equipped to accomplish the central focus of improving student achievement in science, and all subject areas.