Assessing the Impact of the National Science Foundation's Urban Systemic Initative

拟议的研究将1）评估USI项目在多大程度上能够影响NSF驱动程序系统，以及驱动程序之间的因果关系是否可以以可衡量的方式确定，2）检查中小学课程改革的影响，3）调查各级领导，当地资源，政策的相互依赖作用，和利益相关者参与努力提高学生在数学和科学方面的成绩。 四个USI城市（芝加哥，迈阿密，孟菲斯，和埃尔帕索将进行比较，无论是在全区范围内，并在早期和晚期队列小学和中学的样本。 本研究的设计是一个多方法的策略，包括三个调查：1）数学和科学素养的研究-发展一个结构方程模型的假设之间的因果关系的潜在变量（驱动程序）2）研究制定的数学和科学课程-使用的措施建构主义课程已经实施3）政策研究-进行政策分析，将检查协调和调整，在国家和国家的教育政策影响地区和学校。

The proposed study will 1)assess the extent to which USI projects have been able to effect the system of NSF drivers and whether causal relationships among the drivers can be identified in measurable terms, 2) examine impacts of curriuculum reform in elementary and secondary schools, and 3) investigate the interdependet roles of leadership, local resources, policies at all levels, and stakeholders involvement in efforts to improve student achievement in mathematics and science. Four USI cities (Chicago, Miami, Memphis, and El Paso will be compared, both district-wide and in a sample of early and late cohort elementary and secondary schools. The research design proposed is a multiple method strategy consisting of three investigations:1) Mathematics and Science Attainment study -- developing a structural equation model of the hypothesized causal relationship among the latent varibles (Drivers)2) Study of the Enacted Mathematics and Science Curriuculum -- using the Measures of constructivist curricula have been implemented3) Policy Study - conducting a policy analysis that will examine coordination and alignment in state and national educationalpolicies affecting districts and schools.