Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions for normal TRPP operations and special considerations given the current conditions.
Q: What is the typical TRPP Research Schedule?
A: The TRPP research period includes 80 hours over 6 weeks between June 1 and July 15, plus translation efforts that are required to include at least 2 engagement activities per teacher in the subsequent fall.
Q: What K-12 personnel is eligible to participate in the TRPP?
A: Science teachers who are active, in-service, in good standing, and with permission of supervisor, from Omaha Public Schools (OPS) and who will continue to serve with OPS during the academic year following the research period are eligible to participate.
Q: I teach summer school for OPS. Can I still participate in the TRPP?
A: Yes, you may participate in the TRPP while you teach summer school, provided you can meet all the attendance and other requirements associated with program meetings, journal clubs, and group activities. TRPP group activities meet at or after 1 PM to avoid conflicts with summer school schedules.
Q: I am going on vacation this summer. Can I still participate in the TRPP?
A: Due to the limited timeline, vacations should be scheduled outside the TRPP summer research period when possible. However, brief absences (i.e. 1 journal club) during the research period may be excused if they are disclosed in advance, do not interfere with meeting the overall program requirements, and can be made up for in a manner deemed appropriate by the TRPP Leadership Team.
Q: If selected, will I get paid to be a TRPP Participant?
A: Yes, TRPP teachers receive a stipend of $3,000. Faculty mentors also receive a stipend and a supply fund to support the research.
Q: Do I get to choose the research partner I will work with?
A: Candidates may indicate partner/disciplinary preference(s) in their application/proposal, but it is not required. The TRPP team will consider preferences during the selection process, but cannot guarantee placement with a specific research partner. The team will ultimately establish partnerships based on mutual interests and best fits with the project and overall program goals.
Q: Where does the TRPP research take place?
A: TRPP research is conducted in the labs and/or field sites of the UNO faculty mentors who participate in the Program. The translation of research practices occurs in the K-12 classroom and/or relevant learning environments at the home institutions of the participants (science teachers). All members convene on the UNO campus one time per week during the research period for journal club discussions, focus groups, and other scientific engagement, and networking events.
Q: Why should I join the TRPP?
A: The goal of the TRPP is to enhance science literacy across K-12 instructional environments by providing authentic, hypothesis-driven science research experiences to teachers and, subsequently, their students via the translation of authentic research practices.