UTCCERP Research Projects

The University of Texas – San Antonio
Encarnacion Garza, Jr., Ph.D., Co-Director

“The Relationship of Teacher Knowledge and Application of Content, Pedagogy, and Cultural Understanding in Successful Math and Science Classrooms” P.I. Dr. Belinda Flores

Establish the relationship that knowledge and application of content, pedagogy, and cultural knowledge have on math and science achievement of ELLs. Key research questions are: (a) What is the level of knowledge in content, pedagogy, and cultural understanding in teachers who are successful with ELLs? (b) What is the relationship of these competencies to the academic achievement and success of ELLs?

“Identifying Factors that Contribute to the Retention of Effective Teachers in Low Performing Texas Public Schools”  P.I. Drs. Belinda Flores & Bertha Perez

(1) Conduct a study of effective teachers to determine reasons, conditions, and retention strategies that keep effective teachers in low-performing campuses; (2) To provide administrators, preservice, and inservice planners with information to provide a context for effective retention strategies. Research will address the following questions: (1) Are there personal reasons that contribute to an effective teacher’s decision to remain in a low-performing campus? (2) What conditions discourage effective teachers from remaining in a low-performing campus? (3) What strategies or practices do administrators use to retain effective teachers in low-performing campuses?

“Research to Develop a Typology of Educator Preparation Programs in Texas Colleges and Universities”  Co-P.I's -  Drs. Betty Murakami & David Thompason

Provide an analysis of the status of how educators are prepared to work with the diverse student populations and to meet the human resource needs of public schools and post-secondary institutions. The thematic analysis will result in the identification of common and interlinked themes that can be used to develop best practice recommendations

 “Examining the Relationship Among Principals Attributes, Teacher Quality, and Student Achievement”  Co-P.I's – Drs. Mariela Rodriguez & Alex Bowers

Employ sophisticated statistical tools to examine the individual attributes of principals that may be associated with measures of teacher quality and student achievement.