The Collaboration

In July 1995 the National Science Foundation funded a large collaborative project based at Arizona State University (ASU), and called the Arizona Collaborative for Excellence in Preparation of Teachers (ACEPT). The overarching objective of ACEPT is to reform key science and mathematics courses & curricula taken by students intending to become K-12 teachers. The collaboration involves ASU and the community colleges in the Phoenix area, the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, and extends to the Shiprock and Tsaile campuses of DinéCollege located on the Navajo Reservation. The collaboration also includes the 85 K-12 Phoenix schools involved in the NSF funded Phoenix Urban Systemic Initiative. ACEPT is also linked through partnerships with the Mesa Systemic Initiative, the Arizona Science Center, and the Arizona Systemic Collaborative, a coalition of Arizona institutions, projects and community-based organizations active in effecting K-16 science, mathematics, engineering and technology reforms.

The Objectives

A collaboration has been established among science, mathematics, and education instructors at Arizona State University , Maricopa Community Colleges, Diné Colleges and the Urban Systemic Initiative (USI) project to better prepare K-12 teachers in science and mathematics.

Specific Course Reforms at ASU, MCCCD, and DC:

K-8

Biology, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geology, and Patterns in Nature; Diné Teacher Preparation Program



5-8

ASU Middle School Post-Baccalaureate Program



9-12

Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,Physics courses
Extend and improve the quality of K-12 field experiences for student teachers.

Related activities:

• Summer Faculty Workshops
• Articulate course reforms amoung collaborating institutions
• Dynamic Learning Program, South Mountain Community College
• Recruitment and retention of students traditionally underrepresented in the science and mathematics disciplines

For further information about ACEPT contact wyckoff@asu.edu