**For Immediate Release** Math-Ese Workshop a Success! -released by OPSU Campus Communications 06/23/06 Goodwell, OK -- Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s School of Education, in conjunction with the Math department of the School of Science, Mathematics, and Nursing recently completed the first portion of a Title II No Child Left Behind grant-supported workshop. Twenty area elementary and secondary math teachers from the Oklahoma panhandle attended a seven-day workshop on the OPSU campus. In the first portion of the workshop, Improving Student Comprehension of Mathematics through Literacy, OPSU faculty and area “master teachers” presented new and innovative ways to incorporate literacy into the teaching of mathematics. Sessions included “Vocabulary Development and Assimilation Strategies,” “Cool Tools to Solve Challenging Word Problems,” “Using Math Vocabulary in Questioning Students,” “Reading Strategies Applied to Math Problems,” and “Increasing Reflective Practice to Improve Student Learning” were provided by OPSU faculty members Shawna Lyle and Jana Peterson, both from the math department of OPSU, and Dr. Pauline Hodges and Elaina Stewart of the education department. “Master” math teachers from area public schools included Ms. Gwen Strain, Goodwell; Ms. Joyce Shrock, Guymon Jr. High; Ms. Robin Coffman, Hooker; and Ms. Nancy Roberts, Yarbrough, who presented sessions about teaching strategies to integrate literacy and mathematics at both the elementary and secondary level. Stewart presented a daily sessions that provided information about literature books math teachers can use to further improve mathematics comprehension. In addition, Gaylan Beer, a sales and budget manager for a fertilizer company, Perry Boyd, an officer with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and Lynne Langham, a bank vice-president, spoke to the participants about the importance of understanding math and math vocabulary in their fields. During the second portion of the workshop, the participants worked in cohort groups and designed lesson plans using the materials and strategies presented to them. These lesson plans are the beginning of the resource file that will eventually have over 100 prepared lesson plans dealing with mathematics and literacy ranging from the elementary level through secondary upper level courses including calculus. The participants will return to the OPSU campus five times during next fall to share lessons they have presented in their classrooms using the new strategies. OPSU hopes to continue equipping area teachers with strategies and tools to help provide the best possible education in the area schools. Participants included:   Name School District   Earl Chiddix Yarbrough   Candace Collins Yarbrough   Rilla Collins Goodwell   Charles Curry Yarbrough   Sharon Hampton Beaver   LaRie Hillman Guymon   Kimberley Jewell Guymon   Linda Johnson Boise City   Betty Kincannon Boise City   Lisa Kindsvater Northridge Christian   Nancy Lines Goodwell   Bonnie Miller Plainview   Ellen Montgomery Boise City   Veronica Nevarez Yarbrough   Heidi Nunley Guymon   Leta Roberts Hooker   Ginger Sheets Texhoma   Mendi White Boise City   Stephanin Whitney Felt   Paula Wood Hardesty -30-