UF sets math-science summit Nov. 16 to spur statewide school reform efforts

Posted: Nov. 9, 2009

Citing an educational gap that has seen the United States disappear from the top 20 in math and science learning among 30 industrialized nations, the University of Florida is issuing a statewide call for action to pursue aggressive school reform strategies that can help restore America’s global competitiveness in the vital technical fields.

UF’s Lastinger Center for Learning, which focuses on statewide school improvement mainly among high-poverty schools, will host K-12 mathematics and science teachers, principals, school district administrators, college students majoring in math and science, business leaders and other education stakeholders from Alachua County and around the state at an upcoming summit on math and science education.

The meeting, titled “Addressing the Crisis of Mathematics and Science Achievement in Florida and the Nation,” is set for Monday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, on SW 34th Street in Gainesville.

Full-day participation in the free summit is by invitation, but the keynote address, from 10 to 11:45 a.m., by Matt Larson, a nationally known expert on mathematics curriculum, is open to the public. Larson is a past chairman of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics research committee and is a frequent national speaker on issues related to improving mathematics achievement. He is co-author of two mathematics textbook series and is the K-12 mathematics curriculum specialist for Lincoln (Neb.) Public Schools.

Summit coordinator Thomasenia Lott Adams (pictured, right), a professor in mathematics education at UF’s College of Education, says the program will include panel discussions, group conversations and opportunities for participants to get directly involved in efforts to support students’ success in math and science.

“We will examine factors that limit achievement in mathematics and science and brainstorm on aggressive, research-proven teaching strategies. Our goal is boost the capacity of our middle and high school teachers to help Florida’s students meet national and international standards for excellence in those areas,” Adams said. “Mathematics and scientific literacy of our youth are critical to the financial and political future of our state and nation in today’s global technological and information-driven climate. This summit is the foundation for a call to action to support students’ success in math and science.”

Adams said collaboration among various education stakeholders is required to generate strategies to reform math and science education in our schools and universities. She cited the UF Lastinger Center’s plans to launch job-embedded degree programs to help practicing teachers advance their content knowledge and teaching methods in math and science, without having to leave their classrooms to pursue their studies. Adams said the first such effort will launch in Pinellas County schools in 2010.

The Lastinger Center offers similar degree programs in teacher leadership for free to practicing teachers at partnering high-poverty schools to prepare the teachers to lead reform efforts at their schools.

“We want to form a statewide coalition of stakeholders who will roll up their sleeves and contribute to an effective, national school-reform model, starting in our own state,” Adams said.

For more information or to register, contact Adams at tla@coe.ufl.edu or by phone at 352-274-4194.

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CONTACTS

  Source: Thomasenia Lott Adams, professor of mathematics education, UF College of Education; tla@coe.ufl.edu; (352) 273-4194

  Writer/Media Relations: Larry Lansford, llansford@coe.ufl.edu; (352) 273-4137