**For Immediate Release**
Grant Enhances Science and
Math Education
-released by OPSU Campus Communications 02-20-06
Goodwell, Okla. - Oklahoma Panhandle
State University, in conjunction with Guymon Public Schools,
received notice that they will receive an $81,000 grant
to continue a professional development program that was
started last year. Public schools in Beaver, Cimarron,
and Texas counties have formed an alliance with OPSU to
participate in the training. Funded by the federal No Child
Left Behind Act (NCLB) and administered through the State
of Oklahoma, the funds are dedicated to continuing education
for science and math teachers in high-need schools as defined
by NCLB.
Title II, Part B of the federal NCLB act
of 2001 authorized the partnerships competitive grant program.
The U.S. Department of Education defines "high-need" schools
as those that serve no fewer than 10,000 children from
families with incomes below the poverty line or in which
20% of the children live in poverty. "These partnerships
are supported by federal funds allocated to Oklahoma's
State Department of Education for additional teacher training
in math and science. Ongoing math and science education
for teachers remains a priority in Oklahoma," Sandy Garrett,
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, said in a release
issued recently.
Money will be used to hire course instructors
like university professors and other teachers who might
add something to the classes. Teachers involved in the
program also receive a stipend to get them to campus and
attend the courses. Under the direction of Dr. Justin Collins,
OPSU Dean of Science, Mathematics, and Nursing, science
and math faculty will offer an intense two-week training
program this summer. It includes follow-up evaluation to
assess the program and determine if the goals were achieved.
The program will provide 45 area teachers
with a better understanding of science and math concepts
and help them actively involve their students. It will
enhance instructors' ability to understand and use the
Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS), Oklahoma's academic
content standard for science and math.
"Building on the success of last year's
program, this second year of funding will allow us to equip
more area teachers with knowledge and materials needed
to enhance the math and science learning of their students,"
said Collins. He said he and his faculty look forward to
supporting math and science teachers in their instructional
efforts.
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