KU’s ATLAS center features research in showcase with global reach

LAWRENCE — Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS) at the University of Kansas has presented a grant project focused on promoting quality science education for students with disabilities at the 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase: Access, Inclusion, and Equity, which runs May 10-17.

Meagan Karvonen, ATLAS director and principal investigator, will lead the presentation titled “Science for Students with Significant Disabilities” at the showcase.

The presentation highlights the work of the 5E-Model Professional Development in Science Education for Special Educators (5E-SESE) project. ATLAS, a center within the Achievement & Assessment Institute, promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students and their educators. The 5E-SESE project focuses on science professional development for teachers who teach science to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities.

“This project has been an exciting opportunity to infuse Universal Design principles and inquiry-based learning approaches into professional development for special education teachers,” Karvonen said.

5E-SESE is funded by the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education. The project is approaching its final year, and this video showcase is an opportunity for ATLAS researchers to discuss their progress and initial lessons learned with peers.

The annual showcase features more than 250 innovative projects aimed at improving science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science education. Projects are funded by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies.

During the eight-day event, researchers, practitioners, policymakers and members of the public will learn about projects, discuss them with the presenters online and vote for their favorite presentations.

The theme for this year’s event is “Access, Inclusion, and Equity.” Video presentations address broadening participation; STEM learning in formal, informal, community and home settings; design and implementation of STEM and computer science programs; research informing STEM and computer science teaching and learning; and measuring impact of innovative programs.

Video presentations remain available following the weeklong showcase event. Presentations from the 2021 showcase now have more than 107,000 unique visitors from 183 countries.

The STEM for All Video Showcase is hosted by TERC, in partnership with: STEMTLnet, CADRE, CAISE, CIRCLS, STELAR, CS for All Teachers, NARST, NCTM, NSTA, NSF INCLUDES, and QEM. The Showcase is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (#1922641).

Photo: The 5E-SESE project supports teachers and promotes quality science education for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Credit: Getty Images.