Aligning Paradigms, Standards, and Assessment: A Higher-Education Application for Instruction in Science and Mathematics

Disciplines of science and mathematics are essential for 21st century life and progress of our nation. To strengthen the effectiveness of education in the state of Georgia and to address emerging and enduring issues in 21st century life, the state adopted Georgia Performance Standards. To meet the standards of science and mathematics in Georgia classrooms, programs of teacher preparation and educational leadership in higher education institutions across the state must support and develop pre-service and in-service teachers and leaders able to effectively incorporate standards and assessment consistent with this paradigm shift. Student leadership teams at Columbus State University were instructed in the use of a matrix alignment process as a learner-centered paradigm and effective assessment strategy to promote student achievement in P-12 education