Experts Caution That American Students Lag Internationally in Mathematics
Skills
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The following was released
today by Missouri Department of Economic Development:
The first state in the nation to take initiative in addressing the need
for mathematics education reform in public schools, Missouri is unveiling this
month its Missouri Mathematics Academy pilot project, which plans to overhaul
mathematics instruction through professional development of its math and
science teachers.
Experts have cited the need for math improvement. Peter Farley, president
and CEO of Savannah, Ga.-based BIOwulf Inc., described the next revolution in
biology in one word: "mathematics." Experts such as Farley say the lag in
producing top-caliber mathematicians in the United States could harm our
future competitiveness in biotechnology. Most of the nation's small pool of
high-level, theoretical mathematicians has come here from other countries.*
According to Sen. John Glenn, chairman of the National Commission on
Mathematics, "We as a nation must take immediate action to improve the quality
of math and science teaching in every classroom in this country. If we delay,
we put at risk our continued economic growth and future scientific discovery."
To address this need, Missouri initiated a first-of-its-kind program,
which started this month at Fort Leonard Wood in central Missouri.
Approximately 40 teachers from around the state are participating in the
inaugural session. The Missouri Mathematics Academy is expected to train
200 teachers from throughout the state in 2002 and 400 more in 2003.
Why is the Missouri Mathematics Academy needed?
According to the recent K-16 Report on Mathematics in Missouri, the
achievement of Missouri students in mathematics is not acceptable for today's
technological society. Only 10 percent of Missouri 10th grade students scored
at a level considered "proficient" by state standards on mathematics.
Missouri students scored below the national average on fractions and numbers,
as well as geometry.
The Report also revealed what appears to be a disconnect in understanding
the relevance of mathematics to today's industry needs. While 85 percent of
Missouri students say their teachers report computational skills in most or
every lesson, only 50 percent say teachers report the reasoning behind the
idea. The Report concluded that the teacher is the most important ingredient
for success of Missouri math students.
What is the Missouri Mathematics Academy?
The Missouri Mathematics Academy focuses on professional development of
the teacher by concentrating on content expertise and instructional practices.
The Academy's content is based on and reflects industrial needs for
mathematical skills in a technological age, providing teachers with ongoing
professional development that will help them move from teaching mathematics as
"calculation" to incorporating more higher-order mathematical reasoning and
algebraic thinking. In-depth sessions of mathematical content provide
exemplary applications.
Participating educators are matched with coaches and have committed to
receiving two years of ongoing professional training following their
participation in the sessions, which will cover in-depth applications of
mathematical content, teaching skills for algebra and geometry, and real-world
applications and relevance of mathematics. Morning sessions will concentrate
on classroom work, particularly algebra and geometry mathematics. Such
activities include applying math to GPS surveying courses, navigation on the
Mississippi River, and other activities being provided by the United States
Army. Following this summer's Academy, a report would be delivered showing
results of the three-week session.
What are the desired outcomes of the Missouri Mathematics Academy?
The first summer Academy at Fort Leonard Wood will demonstrate a best
practices curriculum and establish a system to deploy it throughout all
Missouri school districts. Ongoing investment is necessary to achieve total
success, increasing math scores for Missouri students.
Missouri Governor Bob Holden will be discussing the Missouri Mathematics
Academy at the BIO 2001 Conference in San Diego.
*As reported in BioWorld Financial Watch, May 28, 2001
CONTACT: Jana Shortt or Mark Bretz, both of Missouri Department of
Economic Development, 314-727-9500
SOURCE Missouri Department of Economic Development
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Related links:
http://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/ded
CONTACT:
Jana Shortt or Mark Bretz, both of Missouri
Department of Economic Development, 314-727-9500
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