Appalachian Math, Science Partnership Looks Back

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2010) − Educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics will reflect on a highly successful program to improve math and science education in Appalachia at a conference Dec. 3-4. The Appalachian Math and Science Partnership, launched in 2002 with a grant from the National Science Foundation, was charged with reforming science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and West Virginia. Educators plan to reflect on the program, which officially ends in 2011, and look toward continued reform in the future. The conference will take place at Doubletree Guest Suites in Lexington.

"The conference is reflecting upon the successes of the AMSP program," said Wimberly Royster, an AMSP coordinator at the University of Kentucky. "It is a culmination of the people that were involved in it -- K-12 teachers, administrators, and college faculty -- telling the story about how the AMSP program influenced their involvement in the improvement of STEM education in their respective schools and colleges."

STEM educators from all four states involved in the program will participate in the conference, called "Voices of AMSP." It will include reports by teachers on how AMSP programs have affected their course content and teaching, research papers by AMSP teachers, and a wrap-up report by external evaluators on the program's success.

"It is also looking at future actions and improvements that position the Appalachian region to participate in and contribute to national initiatives," Royster said.

The AMSP program issued grants to Appalachian region school districts to improve teacher preparation, enhance curriculum and form partnerships with other schools and universities. The conference will help summarize, exhibit and promote the successful initiatives and practices that have come from the work of Appalachian teachers, administrators and faculty.