RIEDC, Cox Communications, Raytheon, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex Launch Summer Teacher Training Initiative
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August 12, 2008 | Print this page | Share This | Email this page
Statewide pilot program prepares teachers and their students for 21st century workforce
In an effort to encourage yearlong teacher professional learning opportunities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) announced today the creation of Leadership Initiatives for Teaching and Technology (LIFT2) - Rhode Island, a statewide pilot program that allows teachers to work for a summer at a company where they explore real world industry applications of STEM.
“This proactive program creates an important link between the state’s private sector and our teaching community in order to create opportunities for teachers to achieve greater success in the classroom and inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “LIFT2- Rhode Island creates an important opportunity for our state’s teachers, schools and business community to work together to help students be more prepared to work in high-tech industries.”
David Cedrone, the STEM Program Manager for the Governor's PK-16 Council along with the RIEDC has developed partnerships with industry leaders, Cox Communications, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex to participate in this pilot program and sponsor teachers for a six to eight week placement. The teachers are assigned to projects within these companies that will engage them in practical industry applications of STEM-related curriculum. The teacher then translates this experience into relevant classroom learning that inspires students to pursue more and higher level STEM education leading to careers in a 21st century innovation workplace.
“RIEDC is proud to get this program up and running and applaud Cox Communications, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Rite-Solutions and Teknor Apex for making such a strong commitment to Rhode Island teachers and students,” said Saul Kaplan, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. “The LIFT2 – Rhode Island program will help our teachers better translate new technology and industry practices into classroom learning, giving our students a competitive edge as they prepare to enter the workforce. This program complements RIEDC’s efforts to reposition Rhode Island’s economy by boosting efforts to help Rhode Island students take advantage of the high-wage job opportunities created by today’s 21st century innovation economy.”
This year’s class of LIFT2 – Rhode Island teachers include Tom Holstein, chemistry teacher from Portsmouth High School (Teknor Apex); Greg Decoteaux, physics teacher, Portsmouth High School (Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems); Keith Doucette, technology education teacher, East Greenwich High School (Cox Communications); Jennifer Sawyer, mathematics and computer networking Teacher, Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket (Cox Communications); Catherine Gurspan- Tobiassen, technology director, St. Philomena School Pre-K-8 in Portsmouth (Rite-Solutions).
LIFT2 – Rhode Island is modeled after two other successful summer externship programs focused on connecting the 21st century workplace to STEM classrooms: Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) www.iisme.org and Leadership Initiatives for Teaching and Technology (LIFT2) www.lift2.org. IISME was founded in 1985 by a consortium of San Francisco Bay Area companies in partnership with the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University at Berkeley. IISME seeks to transform teaching and learning through industry-education partnerships. A 2007 teacher evaluation of IISME found that 99 percent of IISME teachers said this program elevated their enthusiasm for teaching; and 96 percent gained greater understanding of the applications of science, math or technology in everyday life. LIFT2 (Massachusetts) offers middle school and high school math, science and technology teachers a research-based professional learning program that integrates graduate course work with authentic and relevant externships in Massachusetts innovation industries.
“As a teacher, I understand that it is important to engage in lifelong learning and to modify my instruction so that it accurately reflects the future needs of society,” said Jennifer Sawyer, a mathematics and computer networking teacher at Pawtucket’s Charles E. Shea High School. “Working at Cox Communications this summer in the IT Department gave me a great perspective about information technology. Having the opportunity to be a part of the day-to-day operations of the department enabled me to learn about the demands of the field, including the constant changes in innovation and the enormous future growth of the industry. It amazed me how many background functions occur in order to make each Cox customer transaction seamless. I will take my experience back to my classroom and use it to inspire and motivate my students to learn and help them prepare for their future careers."
“We are proud to be a participant in the LIFT2 – Rhode Island pilot program,” said James Lavoie, CEO, Rite-Solutions. “By engaging one teacher in the program we can leverage our investment and impact 75-100 students per year. Companies, large and small, can have a significant impact improving student outcomes both short and long-term, and create a larger workforce of future technologists and engineers.”
“Programs such as LIFT2 are vital to developing tomorrow’s technological workforce – and we are pleased to do our part,” said Raytheon’s Tom Bush, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems. “As a technology company, Raytheon has a vested interest in inspiring and developing America’s next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.”
“We believe this program is a great way to encourage young people to choose science and engineering careers because it targets their teachers who have a major influence on their career decisions,” said Dr. John C. Andries, Senior Vice President, Technical, Teknor Apex. “The program also addresses the issue of giving teachers, who have a solid understanding of science fundamentals, more practical knowledge of what scientists and engineers do everyday and bridges that gap in an effective manner.”
A 2002 study* conducted by Columbia University cited numerous positive results related to Science Work Experience Programs for Teachers (SWEPTS), including:
- Students in year-long biology and chemistry classes of SWEPT teachers in the second year following their teachers’ SWEPT participation showed significantly greater cognitive gains in biology and chemistry than students in classes of comparison teachers;
- Science teacher participation in a SWEPT had a significant positive impact on student achievement in biology and tests in these subjects in the second year following a teacher’s completion of a SWEPT; and
- Nearly all teachers participating in a SWEPT program felt their experiences increased their efficacy as teachers and self-learners, elevated their interest in science/mathematics/technology, and made a positive contribution to their professional development as teachers.
Note: The term SWEPT was previously used to describe what are now more commonly called externship programs.
“Research has already begun to show how involvement in summer externship programs targeting science, technology, engineering and math can make a long term impact in the classroom,” said Alice Wilder, Ed.D., President, Alumni Council, Teachers College – Columbia University and Founder, Think It Ink It Publishing. “Externship programs, like LIFT2 – Rhode Island, will change the way classroom curriculum evolves in that state as it has done in other parts of the country.”
Based upon the launch of the 2008 LIFT2 – Rhode Island pilot program, the RIEDC is actively planning to recruit additional sponsor companies and increase teacher participation for its summer 2009 externship program.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than six million total residential and commercial customers. The third-largest cable television company in the United States, Cox offers an array of advanced digital video, high-speed Internet and telephony services over its own nationwide IP network, as well as integrated wireless services in partnership with Sprint (NYSE: S). Cox Business Services is a full-service, facilities-based provider of communications solutions for commercial customers, providing high-speed Internet, voice and long distance services, as well as data and video transport services for small to large-sized businesses. Cox Media offers national and local cable advertising in traditional spot and new media formats, along with promotional opportunities and production services. More information about the services of Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com, www.coxbusiness.com, and www.coxmedia.com. Cox Communications wholly owns and operates the Travel Channel.
About Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems
Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon’s leader in Joint Battlespace Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security. Raytheon Company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, is a technology leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 86 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as abroad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts (and operations in Portsmouth, Rhode Island), Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide. For more information about Raytheon, please visit www.raytheon.com.
About Rite-Solutions
Rite-Solutions is a trusted provider of responsible technology solutions for quality clients. The company was founded in 2000 with 12 employees and has grown to almost 200 employees in three locations including Middletown, RI. Rite-Solutions has become nationally recognized for its technology and business innovation leadership. The firm’s products and its progressive corporate philosophy and culture have been featured in a number of national publications and on CNBC’s series, “The Business of Innovation.” In 2007, they were a recipient of Newport County Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence Award. For more information on Rite-Solutions, please visit www.ritesolutions.com.
About Teknor Apex Company
Teknor Apex Company is an international custom compounder of advanced polymer materials with a focus on vinyls, thermoplastic elastomers, engineered thermoplastics and colorants. It serves key markets including automotive, building and construction, appliance, toys and recreation, industrial, medical and wire and cable.
Established in 1924 and privately held, the company has 12 plants in the U.S., England, Singapore and China and sells its products in 86 countries. For more information about Teknor Apex, please visit www.teknorapex.com.
*Dr. Samuel C. Silverstein, Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics and Department of Medicine, Columbia University. The Effects of Teacher Participation in a Scientific Work Experience Program on Student Attitudes and Achievement: A Collaborative Multi-Site Study, 2002.
