Peters Presents Competency-Based Curricula Strategy to ALEC

         Michelle Peters, director of education programs for the TRDA, recently presented a competency-based curricula strategy to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).  Peters highlighted key elements for success and how The Endeavour Academy supports instructor and instruction quality and, ultimately, student performance.

Did You Know:

§        22% of Mathematics teachers (grades 5-9) DO NOT hold degrees or certifications in mathematics

§        14% of Science teachers (grades 5-9) DO NOT hold degrees or certifications in science

§        Despite a 22.8% increase in resources being spent over the past two decades, student performance has improved only slightly

§        Among 20 nations assessed in advanced mathematics, none scored significantly lower than the U.S.

In outlining success elements, Peters pointed to educational requirements, proven teaching methods, classroom resources, support networks, instructor quality, content delivery, and evaluation feedback as focus areas.  The Endeavour Academy addresses and supports these elements through Florida’s Sunshine State Standards, the offering of inquiry-based instruction and take-home kits with hands-on activities for teachers, professional development, instructor access to support networks, and evaluation tools.

“America’s students must improve their performance…if they are to succeed in today’s world and if the United States is to stay competitive in an integrated global economy,” says John Glenn, ALEC chairman.

With support from revenue generated by the sale of Challenger license plates, The Endeavour Academy offers instructors access to effective teaching methods with scientifically proven content provided by subject experts.  Teachers are provided with advanced education, field experience and immediately useable materials to take back to their classrooms.  With a focus on the needs of both teachers and students, The Endeavour Academy designs programs for individual districts, not just a “one-size-fits-all” program failing to take into account particular strengths and weaknesses. 

The Endeavour Academy combines scientific research, a connection with NASA, subject expertise, and existing resources to improve the most dramatic agent of educational change – teaching!