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Frequently Asked Questions
Calendar and Schedule
Q: I have another commitment and will be unable to attend one day (or more) of the summer program. Should I still apply?
A: No. Teachers must be able to attend the entire five summer weeks.
Q: When are the two weeks during the academic year scheduled?
A: Generally, this time will be accumulated as convenient by each MSTF. MSTFs will be asked to keep a simple log of their time. Any time spent at related meetings scheduled during the academic year can be counted. However, classroom time does not count.
Q: I am only interested in the summer program. May I participate in it but not in the academic year program?
A: No.
Q: What is the morning schedule of the summer program?
A: The morning schedules will be determined by individual research groups. Last year, MSTFs generally spent from 8:30 to 12:00 with their research groups.
Q: How is lunch handled?
A: MSTFs are on their own for lunch. Some research groups eat lunch together.
Q: What is the afternoon schedule?
A: Typically, the afternoon course runs from 1:00 – 4:00. Please plan on staying to at least 4:30 to meet with your group after the course.
Q: I have a time conflict that prevents me from being at ASU before 9:00 and staying after 4:00. Should I still apply?
A: This will likely be problematic, and you should not apply.
Projects
Q: Will I get my first or second choice project area?
A. We will do the best we can. Your chances will be much improved if you get several qualified teachers from your school to apply and you all choose the same area.
Q: I don’t like my project. May I change it?
A: Unless there are very special circumstances, we will resist changing an MSTFs project.
Q: Will my project be on the Tempe campus?
A: Some projects may be an another ASU campus. Transportation and parking will be the responsibility of each MSTF.
Course
Q: What is the completion date for my course work?
A: The coursework must be completed by the end of the Fall semester (around December 1, 2008). Otherwise, an grade of Incomplete will be given. A grade of Incomplete will be changed to a failing grade if the coursework is not complted by May 1, 2009.
Q: Will I be visited at my school by ASU personnel?
A: We will attempt to visit the schools of all MSFs.
Q: For which semester do I register for the course?
A: It’s a Fall semester course, so register for the Fall semester. Do not register for the summer.
Q: What is the name, number, and line number of the course?
A: “Connecting Research Experience to the Math and Science Classroom.” It will be cross listed under BIO, CHM, MTE, and PHS with 500-level numbers. The line numbers will be available soon.
Q: Is registration waived?
A: No, MSTFs must pay registration. Tuition will not be charged.
Q: Will I be required to do homework or other work that would involve evenings and/or weekends?
A: Yes, but not an extensive amount of time and not every night or every weekend. If you are unable to spend any time at all outside of the daytime, please do not apply.
Stipends
Q: When will the stipends be paid?
A: $5000 will be paid shortly after the conclusion of the five-week summer session. The remaining two weeks will be paid in installments during the academic year; these payments may be sporadic, because each MSTF will have his/her own schedule.
Q: How do I keep track of my time during the academic year?
A: You will keep a simple log with date, brief description of how time was spent, and number of hours spent.
Q: Will I receive the full summer stipend if I miss a day during the five-week period?
A: You will have to make arrangements to make up the time.
Elligibility
Q: I was in the 2007 program. May I apply again?
A: Yes. but most of the 2008 MSTFs will be new to the program.
Q: Do I have to be teaching to be eligible?
A: Yes, you must be teaching math and/or science in an Arizona school.
Q: I am not state certified, and I teach in a school where certification is not required. Am I eligible?
A: Yes.
Q: I do not teach in an AZ school this year but I will teach in an AZ school next year. Am I eligible?
A: No.
Q: I teach in an AZ school this year but I will not teach in an AZ school next year. Am I eligible?
A: No.
Q: I will not be able to introduce new activities in my classroom. Should I still apply?
A: No.
Q: I understand that we will make frequent use of computers. I am not very knowledgeable or skillful with computers, but I am eager to learn. Should I still apply?
A: Absolutely.
Q: I am not very interested in acquiring new teaching techniques, developing new activities, or learning new computer skills. Should I still apply?
A: No.
Travel
Q: I live in the far end of the Valley and have a long commute. Will my travel be compensated?
A: No. Travel compensation is reserved for out-of-town MSTFs.
Q: I live too far from ASU to commute. What are the housing arrangements?
A: We will locate a motel/hotel near to ASU and will pay the lodging costs. Round trip travel to your home on weekends will be compensated.
Equipment allowance
Q: How much is the equipment allowance for each teacher?
A: The maximum amount is $2500.
Q: How will this be spent?
A: A laptop computer and basic software will be purchased for most MSTFs, and this will consume approximately $1500 of this allowance. Some research groups may have equipment and supply expenses that will come out of this allowance. Posters and related supplies will also be paid from this allowance. The balance, which will likely be substantial, will be spent on items related to the MSTFs classroom activity.
Q: Do I return the laptop at the conclusion of the program.
A: No, it’s yours to keep.
Q: I have a laptop that ASU purchased for me within the past few years. May I purchase another one?
A: No, you will have to use the one you have.
Q: I already have my own laptop. Do I have to get another one?
A: If it is equivalent to the laptops purchased for the other MSTFs, then you will not have to get another one. If it is sufficiently outdated, you will receive a current model.
Q: I prefer a Macintosh, but my project requires a PC. Which kind of laptop will be purchased for me?
A: You will have to accept a PC. At this time, only the Information Technology and Advanced Computing project requires a PC.
General
Q: How do I improve my chances of being accepted?
A: Do all of the following:
- Submit your application and statement of interest before the May 1, 2008 deadline.
- Make sure your principal’s endorsement arrives before May 1.
- Encourage other math and/or science teachers from your school (or at least your school district) to apply.
Q: Will I be photographed and/or recorded on video?
A: Yes. All MSTFs will be asked to sign a standard release form. Photos and video recordings may be used to document the project and for public relations purposes.
Q: Will my name appear on a MSTF website?
A: Names and contact information, such as an email address, may appear on a website. Please contact the project director, Robert Culbertson, if you have any concerns about this.
Q: Where should I park?
A: You may purchase a parking permit for one of the ASU lots or you may park for free at CRESMET, which is a fifteen-minute walk from most of the research laboratories.
Do you have a question that is not answered here? Send it to Robert.Culbertson@asu.edu
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