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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2005 Math and science teaching strategies focus of mini-conference at MUW COLUMBUS, Miss. -- The Roger F. Wicker Center for Creative Learning will host the CHAMPS II (Creating High Achievement in Mathematics, Problem solving, and Science) mini-conference for teachers on Saturday, March 5 at Mississippi University for Women. Approximately 60 fifth through eighth grade mathematics and science teachers from 12 school districts in the Mississippi Delta and the Columbus area will attend the conference. The day will be filled with hands-on strategies and activities for teaching middle school mathematics and science. Dr. Joyce Hardaway will represent the Hands-on Equations corporation and provide training in an innovative method of teaching algebraic principles. The science seminar, led by Lee Walker of the Partnership for Learning, will demonstrate inquiry-based classroom activities using products from Educational Innovations. All participants will receive approximately $200 worth of classroom supplies to use with their students. CHAMPS II focuses on the following goals: delivering content-based professional development in science and mathematics; preparing teachers to determine students’ learning gaps and to provide instruction to address these gaps; enhancing student achievement in mathematics and science; improving attitudes regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics and science; and increasing the number of teachers who regularly engage in high quality professional development activities. Funded by a Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant through the Mississippi Department of Education, CHAMPS II is positively impacting student achievement in the classrooms of participating teachers by delivering a comprehensive program of professional development. Other activities will include: • two 10-day summer institutes, the second one to be held June 6th-17th in partnership with Delta State University • four follow-up mini-conferences to conclude on March 5th with nationally recognized speakers in the fields of mathematics and science • a mentoring program that pairs participants with an IHL faculty member • classroom visits throughout the school year where mentors model lessons and work with students and teachers • an online community using WebCT • an interactive project website • membership, registration and travel fees for participants to attend state and national conferences in their field In 2004, the Center for Creative Learning received its first Mathematics and Science Partnership grant in the amount of $465,000 to fund the CHAMPS II Project. The Center was recently awarded a second Mathematics and Science Partnership grant by the Mississippi Department of Education in the amount of $418,000. The second year of the CHAMPS II Project will extend the area of the targeted districts to include 17 Mississippi school districts in eight counties surrounding MUW. By increasing the number of targeted districts and the grade range from seventh and eighth to fifth through eighth, the estimated number of mathematics and science teachers to be served is 320. Funded by a congressionally-directed grant through the Department of Education, the mission of the Center for Creative Learning is to provide innovations in teaching, learning opportunities, service and educational research across Mississippi and beyond. For more information, contact Sarah E. Sumners, Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant-CHAMPS II project manager, at (662) 241-6088. |
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