California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) has been awarded a $12.45 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) to train highly qualified secondary math and science teachers and help improve student achievement in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).
The grant— the largest awarded nationwide under the DOE’s Teacher Quality Partnerships grant competition—will allow CSUDH to implement its proposed STEM Teachers in Advanced Residency (STAR) program.
STAR is a blended 15-month credential and master’s program designed for individuals with a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The program will integrate theory and practice using a curriculum that emphasizes 21st century teaching skills, technology, content literacy and Common Core standards. Additionally, the program will include a yearlong residency and three years of extensive professional development and support for teachers after successful credential completion and placement in a school.
“This project will allow us to develop a teacher pathway like none other in the state of California,” said Kamal Hamdan, associate professor of education and interim director of the Center for Innovation in STEM Education at CSUDH. Hamdan is the principal investigator on the grant and will oversee the STAR program. “I am thrilled to work with our partners on this exciting project.”
Partnering on the grant with CSUDH is LAUSD, Troops to Teachers, and the nonprofit ENCorps STEM Teachers program.
“Your partnership is a true value to LAUSD and our students,” said Justo H. Avila, LAUSD chief human resources officer. “Your positive thinking and great desire and motivation to support and train future teachers is admirable and to be commended. Your CSUDH team is amazing!”
