VISTA is opening a fourth implementation site at Virginia Tech starting in Summer 2013.This new site will bring VISTA's free professional development programs for elementary and middle/high school science teachers to southwest Virginia.
Learn more about the Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA).
VISTA for College Science Education Faculty Members
VISTA's Secondary Teacher Program focuses on supporting new middle and high school science teachers.
The Virginia Initiative for Science Teaching and Achievement (VISTA) is a statewide partnership among 60+ Virginia school districts, six Virginia universities, and the Virginia Department of Education. Its goal is to translate research-based best teaching practices into improved science teaching and student learning for all students at all levels.
VISTA is dedicated to professional development and research in science education in the following areas:
Professional Development
- Elementary Teachers
- Secondary Teachers
- Science Coordinators
- Science Education Faculty
Research
- Student Achievement
- Teacher Effectiveness
- Teacher Growth
- State Leadership Infrastructure
Benefit By Being A VISTA Participant
VISTA is currently looking for participants in our randomized, controlled study on the impact of VISTA on teacher practices and student outcomes. As part of the study, teachers will participate in professional development. Treatment teachers will receive free professional development training, a stipend or course tuition, conference attendance, science materials and more.
Information for Principals
VISTA is based on research that has been shown to increase student achievement through problem based, hands-on learning of science. The integrated curricular planning that VISTA supports has been shown to increase student achievement across subject areas. Take a look at our research introduction to see how VISTA can improve not only science in your school!
