For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 02/27/02

Middle School Instructors Participate in Teacher Development Workshop at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

Fifteen teachers from middle schools in the West Academic Area of the School District of Philadelphia recently participated in a half-day teacher development workshop, "Problem-Based Learning: Apprenticeship for Life," at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USP).  During the workshop, the teachers explored various aspects of problem-based learning by participating in an activity called "BYOP: Bring Your Own Pollutant," which entailed them using a biological system and bioluminescent bacteria to determine the effects everyday pollutants have on a life system.  The workshop was a part of USP's GEAR UP grant with the West Academic Area.  The following is a list of participants and the schools where they teach.

• Dimner Beeber Middle School

Dorothy Beasley

Grace Hankinson

• Robert E. Lamberton School

Karen Dupree

Denise Kravitz

Kimberly Wisser

• Middle Years Alternative School

Judy Elliot

Steve Mira

• Morton McMichael School

Jason Saunders

• Shoemaker Middle School

Betty Oliver

Tori King

Myra Smoot-Coabin

• Sulzberger Middle School

Benjamin Moore

Daisy Century

David Miller

Shawn Weather

Lashawn Freeman

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a national education program funded by the federal government through the United States Department of Education.  The national grant program was the legislative brainchild of Philadelphia's own Congressman Chaka Fattah. 

###