State science and mathematics education gets a boost

While many teachers are enjoying their summer out of the classroom, more than 80 participants from around the state will spend an intensive week at Grand Valley State University, beginning July 29.

Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center is teaming with other state institutions of higher learning, local schools, and the Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network to develop educational leadership in mathematics and science for under-achieving schools through the Michigan Mathematics and Science Teacher Leadership Collaborative.

With a current two-year Mathematics and Science Partnership Competitive Grant of $2.3 million, funded by the Michigan Department of Education, and the potential for increased renewable grants of $4.5 million statewide, the collaborative will address different aspects of developing educational leadership around mathematics teaching and learning in the middle school grades.

Partners in the collaborative include Grand Valley State University, University of Michigan, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan Mathematics and Science Center Network, targeted high-needs schools throughout the state, and mathematics and science experts from local colleges and universities.

The Collaborative’s resources and activities will include strategic planning, professional development, mathematics and science modules to support teacher learning and practice, as well as local implementation and evaluation. Full days spent in the classroom are followed by several evening outings, including a cruise aboard Grand Valley’s research vessel, the W.G. Jackson, which serves researchers and educational groups from her berth in Muskegon.

Media are invited to attend sessions with teachers doing some hands-on activities of the following days: July 30, 1-3:30 p.m.; July 31, 1-11:30 a.m.; August 3, 8-11:30 a.m.

For additional information, call Mary Ann Sheline or Karen Meyers at the GVSU Regional Math and Science Center, (616) 331-2267, or visit www.mmstlc.org .