American College of Education and Former NASA Astronaut Dr. Sally Ride Partner for New Science Concentration Program
Former NASA Astronaut Dr. Sally Ride and American College of Education are pleased to announce the launch of a new graduate program on October 17, 2011, which allows working teachers to earn their Master of Education while simultaneously enhancing their classroom instruction by implementing the research-based Sally Ride Science curriculum designed to engage K-8 students in science learning.
The degree program was created to help teachers learn effective strategies in teaching science, science content and help promote science careers to their students. The program, a first of its kind in the nation, will offer teachers the options of high quality professional development training, graduate credit programs, and a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction with a Concentration in Teaching Science.
“We are thrilled to announce this partnership and showcase the important need to impact science performance across the nation while supporting teacher training and development,” said Sandra J. Doran, President of American College of Education. “Sally Ride Science has a steadfast dedication to STEM education, which connects perfectly with our mission to develop amazing teachers.”
According to the 2009 Nation’s Report Card in Science, only 34 percent of 4th grade students are performing at a proficient level in science. In 8th grade, this drops to 30 percent and dips even further to 21 percent among 12th graders.
“We know that a major part of eliminating achievement gaps in science education is providing teachers with the tools to develop instructional strategies that are impactful and effective,” said Dr. Sally Ride, CEO of Sally Ride Science. “This partnership with American College of Education is so exciting because it gives us an opportunity to help teachers across the country do just that.”
Through each of the three courses included in the Sally Ride Science concentration, educators will investigate key findings on how students learn science and develop teaching strategies grounded in this research in order to increase student interest and achievement.
“We’ve created solid, research-based and relevant graduate curriculum immediately transferable to a teacher’s classroom. What teachers learn in their ACE online classroom today can be applied back at their classroom or school tomorrow. The courses are designed to make an immediate impact on students,” Doran added.
More information on the Sally Ride Science Master’s degree or Concentration through American College of Education can be found at www.ace.edu/SallyRideScience. To find details on the Sally Ride Science Academy brought to you by ExxonMobil and discover other science teaching resources go to www.sallyridescience.com.
Sally K. Ride, Ph.D.
Former NASA Astronaut, President & CEO, Sally Ride Science
Dr. Ride received a Ph.D. in physics from Stanford University in 1978. The same year, she was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate from among more than 8,000 applicants — one of six women among the 35 trainees chosen. In 1983, she became the first American woman in space, flying aboard the space shuttle Challenger. Dr. Ride’s second shuttle flight was in 1984. She retired from NASA in 1987, and became a Science Fellow at Stanford University. In 1989, she was appointed Professor of Physics and Director of the California Space Institute at the University of California, San Diego. She was a member of the Presidential Commission investigating the 1986 Challenger accident, and of NASA’s Columbia Accident Investigation Board in 2003. In 2001, she started her own company, Sally Ride Science, to create science programs and publications for students, parents and teachers.
About American College of Education
American College of Education is solely dedicated to providing educators the most affordable, high-quality online master’s degree programs in education. The College’s vision is to dramatically improve student performance by enhancing the instructional effectiveness of teachers through transformative technology and innovative online learning. Based in Chicago, IL, American College of Education is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA). For more information visit the College at www.ace.edu.
Contact:
Media Inquiries:
Kerry Goldstein
214.210.4066
Kerry.Goldstein@ace.edu
