Umbrella Partnerships: How the MSP Investment Can Build Enduring Capacity for the Ongoing Improvement of Math and Science Education
We wish to point out that the research reported here is not the result of a single study. Instead, it reflects the analysis of five years of external evaluation data, complemented by related data from the internal evaluation team. For the external evaluators, tracking the work of the "umbrella partnership" has been a key component of our work each year. Below is a list of the kinds of regular external evaluation activities we have engaged in that have contributed to our knowledge of the contributions of the AMSP "umbrella partnership."
Regular interviews with Co-PIs and Local-PIs
In-depth interviews with participating teachers, faculty members, and facilitators from nearly every type of Summer Institute
Course development focus groups
IHE and District site visits
Review of Baseline School data and related Program Improvement Reviews
Meetings with the AMSP Research Team
PEP interviews and proposal reviews2
Many of the activities listed above have taken place on an annual or bi-annual basis, allowing for the tracking of progress of over time. A number of interviews with key informants have taken place each year. Interviews are recorded and transcribed. The transcripts are then reviewed and coded for common themes.
2 PEP refers to the "mini-grants" awarded through the Partnership Enhancement Program.
