Project CUES 
2003-2004 National Pilot Test

I. Description

II. Requirements

Please review all of the information described on this web site with your department chair and school principal before preparing and submitting an application. Requirements of pilot test teachers are noted below.

1. Attend a five-day training session Saturday evening August 2, 2003 to Wednesday August 6, 2003 in Washington, D.C.
2. Agree to teach CUES in its entirety to one class of students (Note: Because we cannot provide copies of CUES to all of your Earth science classes, you must agree to select one class as your CUES pilot test class);
3. Provide regular feedback on each activity through an on-line form;
4. Be able to administer and return to AGI sets of pre/post unit tests (scantron tests) for one class of students;
5. Release portfolios of student work from 3-5 students (these can be photocopies);
6. Complete a comprehensive questionnaire and submit to AGI upon the completion of testing each unit;
7. Agree to allow classroom observations by an independent evaluator or AGI staff member;
8. Agree to telephone interviews with an independent evaluator;
9. *Have a well equipped science lab needed to conduct hands-on activities and Internet access in your school to support student research and inquiry;
10. Have the signed approval of their school principal regarding all of the above.
    
    (* A well-equiped science lab should include common lab equipment such as triple beam balances, electric balances, compound microscopes, access to water and sinks, chemicals, probeware, alcohol burners, glassware, weather-related instruments, counter space, storage room, etc.)
    

III. Production Schedule

CUES will be produced on a rolling basis throughout the 2003-2004 school year. The student editions of Systems in Space and Geosphere and the teacher guide for Systems in Space will be available at the August 2-6, 2003 orientation workshop, along with pre-pilot test drafts of the student editions of the three remaining units. A schedule for delivery of pilot test materials to teachers is shown below (the schedule is subject to revision). Every effort will be made to improve upon this.

Unit	Student Edition To Teachers	Teacher Guide to Teachers	Pilot Completion Date
Systems in Space	August 2003 Training	August 2003 Training	October 15, 2003
Geosphere	August 2003 Training	September 2, 2003	December 20, 2003
Hydrosphere	October 14, 2003	November 18, 2003	February 21, 2004
Atmosphere	November 25, 2003	January 16, 2004	April 15, 2004
Biosphere	January 6, 2004	March 5, 2004	June 15, 2004

IV. Compensation

AGI recognizes that our pilot test teachers are valuable resources and are essential to producing the best possible curricula. Accordingly, in addition to the inherent benefits of participating in and learning from this pilot test, AGI provides some compensation to pilot test teachers as a way of recognizing the important role you play.
Teachers selected for the CUES pilot test will receive:

• Round-trip airfare (or mileage reimbursement if you drive), hotel accommodations, and meals at the five-day pilot test orientation session;
• A class set of the student version of the CUES (Note: it will be a black and white, spiral bound booklet - pilot test versions are not printed in color);
• Two copies of the teachers guide.

Teachers who complete all of the requirements described in part II above will be eligible to receive:

• $350 in compensation;
• up to $200 in reimbursements for consumable classroom supplies, paper, and postage (when returned with receipts).
  (Note: We regret that we cannot provide partial compensation for incomplete testing, regardless of cause.)
  

V. Selection Criteria

Pilot test teachers will be selected based upon the following criteria:

• Bachelors or advanced degree in education;
• Minimum of five years middle school science teaching experience;
• Evidence that the school will support implementation of a Project CUES unit;
• A letter of support for the project from their building principal that allows them to use project activities and materials in their teaching.
  

VII. Pilot Test Application
To apply for this opportunity, download an application form*, and complete and mail (or fax) the completed Project CUES 2003-2004 National Pilot Test application. All application materials must be received by May 30, 2003. Teachers will be notified of selection on June 6, 2003.

Mailing Address:
American Geological Institute
CUES Pilot Test
Ms. Elizabeth Rogers
4220 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302-1502

Fax:
(703) 379-7563

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