CRESS Collaborative Grants
Since 1991, the CRESS Center has awarded grants twice a year to educational research projects designed collaboratively by K-12 and university educators. These CRESS-funded research projects support two-way consultation between university and school personnel about research questions, data collection and analysis, reporting formats, and suggestions for improving practice. A total of $35,000 in grants funding is available for the 2007-2008 academic year. We encourage proposals in the $3,000 to $15,000 range.
2008-2009 CRESS Collaborative Grant Projects
We are pleased to announce the 2008-2009 CRESS Collaborative Research Grant Recipients. Congratulations to all on bridging the research/practice divide to pursue these promising projects. Look here for updates and presentations on their methods and findings in the upcoming academic year. Below are short descriptions. Read abstracts for all four projects here.
Making “hands-on” science “minds-on” science: creating connections between classrooms, farms and habitats
Heidi Ballard, (Assistant Professor, School of Education), Arthur Beauchamp (Director, Sacramento Area Science Project), Ann Marie Kennedy (Teacher, Grant High School Environmental Science Academy), Mary Kimball, (Executive Director, Center for Land-Based Learning), Mark McCay (Teacher, Venture Academy)
This collaboration amongst science teachers, an environmental education program, and UC Davis researchers will examine how the integration of formal in-class instruction and hands-on field work contribute to student understanding of ecological concepts and engagement in learning. The project will also produce and disseminate a revised curriculum unit.
The Development of Pedagogical Content Knowledge through a Lesson Study Focused on Writing Instruction
Sandra Murphy (Professor, School of Education), Shannon Pella (Graduate Student, School of Education/Teacher, Sam Brannon Middle School), Karen Smith (Director, Area 3 Writing Project)
This project involves pre-service and experienced teachers in a lesson study focused on writing instruction and educational equity. The project seeks to generate culturally relevant, pedagogical content knowledge and assess the efficacy of the lesson study model in this process.
Stories of Sustainability
Gloria Rodriguez, (Assistant Professor, School of Education), Maryann Straub (Consultant, California Department of Education/Learning Supports Unit), Renee Newton (Director, Center for Community School Partnerships)
This project will explore the sustainability of school-linked services by creating video documentaries of former Healthy Start grantees that have maintained programs well beyond the initial grant period. This information will inform statewide technical assistance to current Healthy Start grantees and other schools interested in pursuing a community school model.
Teacher Development: Curriculum and Instruction Support
Chris Monroe (Director, Sierra North Arts Project), Mary Superak, (Sierra North Arts Project), Carl Westphal, (Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, Sacramento City Unified School District)
This project will examine whether and how follow-up coaching support for participants in an art education summer institute strengthens teacher professional community and classroom practice. Lessons-learned will be shared with Subject Matter Projects throughout California.
Previous Reports
Constructivist Teaching Methods, Student Attitudes, and Scientific Habits of Mind: An Investigation of Relationships
FOCUS-ViDEX: A video document, examination and extension project focusing on standards-based school reform
The Impact of Storytelling and Retelling on Oral Reading and Comprehension
Science in the Real World: Show Me the Money
Rural Networked Learning and Teaching Community: A Collaborative Adventure