In the rapidly changing SMT world, partnering with higher education can be the key to a program’s success. Local colleges and universities can help make sure your teachers have access to the latest advances in their subject areas. They may be willing to help your district develop lab facilities and take on advanced students. Education departments can help guide you through the latest pedagogical research. And since these institutions may be looking to your schools for their next generation of students, they will have something to gain by helping out. 

There are, however, reasons to be careful in relationships with higher ed. For example, pedagogical techniques in university-level SMT courses can vary significantly from the best teaching methods in K-12 settings. Care must be taken to adapt what colleges and universities have to offer to the needs of your particular district. Don’t let this deter you though; these partnerships are well worth pursuing. And there is even federal money available to help you make them happen.

• What resources are available to help local districts forge partnerships with higher educational institutions?
• What makes K-12 and higher education partnerships successful?
• How have other districts partnered with higher educational institutions?
  

What resources are available to help local districts forge partnerships with higher educational institutions?

• General information about the U.S. Department of Education administered Math and Science Partnership (MSP) grant program.
• The Math and Science Partnership Web site (includes links to each state’s MSP program)
• The National Science Foundation’s Math Science Partnership program offers grants to teams composed of institutions of higher education, local K-12 school systems, and their supporting partners. 
• Rita Barger discusses the use of pre-service university students as K-12 teachers. [VIDEO] 

What makes K-12 and higher education partnerships successful?

• A series of articles called “Points of View: Effective Partnerships Between K-12 and Higher Education,” from the journal Cell Biology Education
• A review of a 2001 publication entitled “The Learning Connection: New Partnerships Between Schools and Colleges,” from the New England Journal of Higher Education.
• A compendium of programs demonstrating best practices for K-12 SMT education including partnerships with business and higher education.

How have other districts partnered with higher educational institutions?

• A district in Palo Alto, California that works with a community college to offer its students biotechnology classes for college credit. 
• A program in Minnesota that allows high school students to take college classes online. 
• A partnership program between a district in Minnesota and a local community college offering community college classes to 11^th and 12^th grade students.
• A program allowing current teachers to work towards their Master's degree for free.