Organization(s): Horizon Research, Inc., Westat Inc.
Funding agency: U.S. National Science Foundation
Program: Robert Noyce Scholarship Program
HRI Role: Research

Project Description

The NSSTPP project will serve as a complimentary study to the 2027 National Survey of Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Education (NSSME+). Well-prepared STEM teachers are essential for helping students develop key skills (e.g., problem solving, curiosity, perseverance, creativity, adaptability) needed to solve problems and think critically. The study, conducted by Horizon Research, Inc. with assistance from Westat, will identify the extent to which or how elements of effective STEM teacher preparation program (TPPs) are being enacted on a national scale. Conducting this study in conjunction with the 2027 NSSME+ provides an opportunity to examine how features of STEM preparation programs may influence teachers’ reported classroom practices and beliefs and provide future direction for program improvements. The study will take place in four phases. In Phase 1, the project will draw on the most recent TPP data available from U.S. Department of Education to assemble a roster of K–12 STEM TPPs across the nation. Phase 2 will be devoted to identifying existing policy information for the sampled STEM TPPs and questionnaire development. In Phase 3, we will identify a national probability sample of approximately 1,000 K–12 STEM TPPs. The final phase of the project, Phase 4, will analyze survey data, both overall and by key features of the STEM TPPs. A study website will provide comprehensive access to all study products and support requests for data sharing.

Award Abstract