VSU Hosts Math Science Partnership

VALDOSTA - Third through fifth grade teachers gathered as part of a Math Science Partnership hosted by Valdosta State University Monday through Friday, June 23-27, at S. L. Mason Elementary School, and will return July 7-11.

Traveling from 35 elementary schools within the 11 districts of the Coastal Plains Regional Educational Service Agency, 150 individuals participated in a professional development activity that spans a two-week period during summer with additional follow-up activities, including field trips and Web conferences, during the academic year.

Teachers receive professional development credits for participation in the partnership, which focuses on teaching strategies to actively engage students. All content is aligned with Georgia Performance Standards and delivered through modeling of good teaching by a project staff of approximately 40 master’s level professionals and content specialists.

Part of one of Georgia’s largest Math Science Partnerships, measured by both economic outcome and participation, the VSU sponsored event was recently awarded financial support of $450,000 from the Georgia Department of Education. A new partner in Atlanta plans to donate Web cameras and expert personnel to enhance the program.

“This project is well received by the Georgia Department of Education and in many ways is a model for other MSP projects in the state,” said Dr. Brian Gerber, who serves both as program coordinator and director for curriculum, instruction and outreach at VSU. “It demonstrates the power of collaboration with partnerships existing between VSU’s Dewar College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, along with an Atlanta-based company and school districts within the local RESA.”

Ultimately, the program supports teachers in the critical fields of science and math education, who have one common goal - to be successful in education students on these critical subjects during students’ early years of learning in order to build the foundation for further success in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Call Dr. Gerber at (229) 333-5353 or e-mail blgerber@valdosta.edu for more information on the Math Science Partnership and other projects centered on improving the quality of instruction in the fields of math and science.