Miami University

MIAMI U. PROJECTS RECEIVE FUNDING

10/29/1996

OXFORD, Ohio -- The Ohio Board of Regents voted recently to release more than $1.7 million in Dwight D. Eisenhower Professional Development Program funds to support 34 separate mathematics and science education improvement projects.

The following Miami programs have received funding:

• $89,010 for “Using Native American Stories to Attain Ohio Elementary School Competency-based Science Standards.” Robert G. McWilliams (geology) and Richard E. Lee, Jr. (zoology). For kindergarten-sixth grade.

• $20,468 for The Ohio Inquiry Calculus Consortium. Jerry K. Stonewater (mathematics and statistics). For 12th grade.

• $15,739 for “Enhancement of the K-8 Science Curriculum for K-8 Teachers in Hamilton.” Rita K. Voltmer (teacher education). For kindergarten-eighth grade.

• $66,979 for “Science Integration in Today’s Elementary Schools V (SITES V).” A.M. Sarquis (chemistry), Lynn Hogue (chemistry), Lori Handler (chemistry). For kindergarten-fourth grade.

The projects link 23 of Ohio’s colleges and universities with school systems across the state to improve math and science education. Specifically, all Eisenhower Program projects are designed to:

• provide sustained, intensive, high-quality professional development opportunities for practicing teachers so they can, in turn, provide challenging learning experiences in science and math for their students, and

• address the special needs of populations that historically have lacked access to equal educational opportunities in the area of science and math.

The Eisenhower program is helping to make inquiry-based instruction the standard method for teaching mathematics and science in Ohio’s schools.

The typical Eisenhower project in Ohio involves a summer program and follow-up activities during the ensuing academic year. Projects generally emphasize a problem-solving approach to teaching and learning science and math.

The Eisenhower program annually distributes federal funds to all 50 states to support activities that will strengthen science and math education.