Rutherford County Senators Bill Ketron and Jim Tracy and Representative Kent Coleman, along with Gov. Phil Bredesen, announced today new grants to institutions of higher education to provide research-based professional development to K-12 teachers of math and science.
These Math and Science Partnership grants create a three-year relationship between a university and area school systems to enhance teaching of these critical subject areas.
“A solid foundation in math and science teaches students the problem-solving and analytical skills that are so valuable to success in any career,” Bredesen said. “Tennessee is working to ensure its K-12 teachers are equipped with the latest proven strategies for helping students master these critical skills and achieve in math and science.”
Middle Tennessee State University received a $757,359 grant to work with Bedford, DeKalb, Hamilton, Houston, Meigs, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Steward, Warren and Wilson county school systems. The grant will fund UMATH, Understanding Math for 3rd-5th grade teachers.
“This grant program unites the K-12 and higher education community in the common goal of providing a quality education for Tennessee students,” Ketron said. “Such collaboration makes the best use of resources with an enhanced outcome for schools and students.”
Teachers, and ultimately students, in thirty school systems across Tennessee will benefit from the professional development provided through these grants.
“Ensuring students graduate with a solid understanding of fundamental math and science skills is a top priority,” Tracy said. “Armed with such knowledge, Tennessee students can better compete in the 21st century economy and excel in higher education.”
“The partnerships match school systems with the university program that meets their professional development needs,” Representative Coleman said. “We are fortunate that MTSU can reach the educators that need this training, regardless of geographic location.”
Partnerships must include an engineering, math, or science department of an institution of higher education and a high-need school district. Partnerships may also include additional engineering, math, science, or teacher preparation departments, additional school districts, public charter schools or private schools. The partnership may also incorporate a business, nonprofit organization or for-profit organization that has demonstrated effectiveness in improving the quality of math and science teachers.
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