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| Seed, Project. A program designed to increase the number of students in grades 4-6 from low-income backgrounds who will graduate from high school with skills required for jobs, careers, further education, and leadership in a technological society. |
Audience Students in grades 4 through 6, generally in schools with a predominance of Chapter 1 eligible students.
Description Project SEED brings specially trained mathematicians and scientists into low income elementary school classrooms to teach topics from algebra and higher level mathematics using a Socratic, group-discovery method of instruction. This question-and-answer approach encourages vigorous student discussion and high levels of participation from students at all ability levels. The lessons, which are supplementary to the regular mathematics curriculum, are designed to create a foundation for mathematical thinking, an enthusiasm for mathematical inquiry, and the self-confidence to overcome low achievement and a sense of academic inferiority. Conceptual understanding is emphasized and basic skills are reinforced. Project SEED instructors receive rigorous preservice and ongoing inservice training. They provide direct classroom instruction and inservice training for classroom teachers. Each class meets four days a week with additional time reserved for conferences with the classroom teacher, observation, and staff development. The classroom teacher is a participant and observer in the class during SEED lessons. Few learning materials are required since the instructors use their mathematics backgrounds to ask questions which guide students to discover mathematical concepts. Project SEED's national director oversees development in new locations and overall program implementation. A local project director and experienced mathematics specialists have responsibility for the daily program implementation. Project SEED addresses National Educational Goals 3 and 5.
Evidence of Effectiveness Rigorous longitudinal evaluations over a number of years in different locations with different instructors clearly demonstrate that Project SEED instruction has a positive impact on immediate mathematics achievement scores; that Project SEED instruction has a long-term impact on mathematics achievement; and that Project SEED students take more higher-level mathematics courses in secondary schools.
Requirements School districts are required to commit to implementing the program for a minimum of 3 years, subject to available funding, and to provide office and meeting space for project staff. Administrators work with project staff to identify target schools and classes. Teachers are required to meet regularly with project staff.
Costs Costs for personnel, training, materials and supplies are covered by the school district contract with Project SEED and will vary depending on the overall size of the program and class size. The average annual costs for a complete program of direct instruction, inservice, staff development and curriculum development when translated to a per student basis is estimated between $300-500.
Developmental Funding: Federal, state, and local sources.
PEP No. 94-5 (3/4/94)
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[Skills Reinforcement Project (SRP)]