A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

Achieving the Goals--Goal 5- First in the World in Math and Science Technology Resources - November 1996

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Advanced Technology Education

The Advanced Technology Education (ATE) program promotes exemplary improvement in advanced technological education at the national and regional levels through support of curriculum development and program improvement at the undergraduate and secondary school levels, especially for technicians being educated for the high-performance workplace of advanced technologies. Curriculum development encompasses the design and implementation of new curricula, courses, laboratories, and instructional materials. Program improvement encompasses faculty and teacher development, student academic support, and formal cooperative arrangements among institutions and other partners. ATE projects and centers will result in major improvements in advanced technological education, serve as models for other institutions, assure that students acquire strong backgrounds in mathematics and science, and yield nationally applicable educational products. All projects and centers have a vision for technician education which is used to guide project development. The ATE program is managed jointly by the Division of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education.

Elizabeth Teles
Program Director
Advanced Technological Education Program
Division of Undergraduate Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1668
e-mail: eteles@nsf.gov or Gerhard Salinger
Division of Elementary,
Secondary and Informal
Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1620
e-mail: gsalinge@nsf.gov

Alliances for Minority Participation Program

The Alliances for Minority Participation (AMP) Program is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive undergraduate program designed to increase the quality and quantity of students receiving baccalaureate degrees in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology (SMET). It also strives to increase the number of students entering graduate schools to obtain doctoral degrees in SMET fields normally supported by the National Science Foundation. The AMP program focuses on removing barriers that prevent full student participation in the SMET work force. The program focuses on students who are underserved by the U.S. education system, including those who are economically disadvantaged, have low participation in the SMET enterprise, and are in educational settings that do not encourage full use of their academic potential to succeed in SMET fields. The program supports systemic undergraduate reform in alliances that include partners from both two- and four-year higher education institutions, businesses and industries, national research laboratories, and local, state, and federal agencies. The program supports a teacher preparation (AMP-TP) initiative. This effort is focused on attracting individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the science and mathematics teacher work force into undergraduate teacher preparation programs.

William McHenry
Alliances for Minority Participation
Division of Human Resource Development
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1633
wmchenry@nsf.gov

Applications of Advanced Technology Program

This program provides research and development grants to examine the strengths and weaknesses of new, innovative applications of advanced technologies. The program strives to lay the foundations and enrich the knowledge necessary for the use of new, revolutionary computer and telecommunications systems as well as related technologies for teaching and learning science and mathematics.

Nora H. Sabelli, Program Director
Applications of Advanced Technology Program
Division of Research, Evaluation and Communication
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22230
(703) 306-1651
nsabelli@nsf.gov

Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program

The NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation Program supports projects aimed at major changes in approaches to the undergraduate preparation of future teachers of elementary and secondary science and mathematics. This includes development of new institutional structures, the production of creative materials, courses and curricula for teacher education, and research on factors affecting the recruitment and preparation of teachers. Projects demonstrate leadership by the scientific discipline departments, emphasize a solid foundation in science or mathematics, and focus rigorous attention on effective teacher practices, including the use of advanced instructional technologies. Special interests include multidisciplinary projects and initiatives for recruiting members of underrepresented groups into the teaching profession. Scientists, science educators, teachers, and other educational leaders collaborate in the planning and implementation of projects. Colleges and universities or their consortia that have the capacity to prepare significant numbers of highly qualified teachers are eligible to submit proposals.

Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation
Division of Undergraduate Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1668
e-mail: eteles@nsf.gov

Comprehensive Partnerships for Mathematics and Science Achievement Program

The Comprehensive Partnerships for Mathematics and Science Achievement Program supports comprehensive precollege education reform programs targeted at city school systems that (a) are not eligible for the Urban Systemic Initiative program; and (b) do not have Local Systemic Change projects. City school systems, which are the units of change, are expected to link with institutions of higher education, businesses, professional organizations, as well as community-based and other education organizations in the design and implementation of in-school student and teacher enhancement activities and informal education efforts. The program's goals are to improve student achievement in mathematics and science courses, to enhance teacher knowledge and skills, and to expand student interest in science, mathematics, and technology careers. Academic institutions and nonprofit organizations are not eligible to apply for funding.

Alexandra King
Comprehensive Partnerships for Mathematics and Science Achievement Program
Division of Human Resource Development
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1633
bjones@nsf.gov

Informal Science Education Program (ISE)

ISE projects take place in diverse environments such as museums (of all types) and community centers, and involve the use of various media (e.g. broadcast, film, interactive technology, and print). ISE supports projects that provide rich and stimulating opportunities outside formal classroom settings where individuals of all ages, interests, and backgrounds can increase their appreciation and understanding of science, mathematics, and technology, including better understanding of concepts, topics, processes, and thinking in scientific and technical disciplines, as well as increased knowledge about career opportunities in these fields.

Hyman Field
Program Director
Informal Science Education Program
Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1616
e-mail: hfield@nsf.gov

Instructional Materials Development (IMD)

IMD supports the development of materials and strategies that promote the improvement of science, mathematics, and technology instruction at all levels (pre-kindergarten-12th grade), as well as improved interfaces between secondary school and college. Of particular interest are projects that include the use of technology to help students understand and apply key disciplinary concepts, as well as those that enable students to learn in ways that cannot be achieved by other means. Projects are expected to be national in scope and significance so that upon completion, materials will be ready for utilization by teachers and students across the nation.

Jim Ellis, Program Director
Instructional Materials Development Program
Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1614
e-mail: jellis@nsf.gov

The Networking Infrastructure for Education Program (NIEP)

NIEP provides grants to alliances of academic institutions, school districts, professional societies, state agencies, and others concerned with education reform to complete policy studies and research, development and demonstration projects related to the role of electronic networks in support of education reform. The focus in fiscal year November 1996 was on evaluating the impact of technology, disseminating outcomes, and developing electronic library prototypes.

National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1651
e-mail: nie@nsf.gov.

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching

These awards are designed to emphasize the importance of good teaching by recognizing and rewarding exemplary K 12 mathematics and science teachers. Four teachers per year are selected from each state as presidential awardees in elementary mathematics, elementary science, secondary mathematics, and secondary science. These teachers constitute a national network of outstanding leaders in science and mathematics education. Teachers can be nominated by colleagues, administrators, students, or parents of students. Eligible teachers include those whose primary responsibility is classroom teaching of science or mathematics in a public or private, elementary, middle/junior, or senior high school in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Dependant Schools, or the U.S Territories (Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, and the Virgin Islands). A minimum of five years of teaching experience is required.

Emma Walton
National Science Foundation
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching
Division of Elementary, Secondary and Information Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Alexandria, Virginia 22230
(703) 306-1613
e-mail: ewalton@nsf.gov

Program for Persons with Disabilities

The NSF Program for Persons with Disabilities has recently been expanded and is committed to bringing about change in academic and professional climates, developing new methods of teaching science and mathematics, increasing the awareness and recognition of the needs and capabilities of students with disabilities, promoting the accessibility and appropriateness of instructional materials and education technologies, and increasing the availability of mentoring resources. Though the foundation encourages persons with disabilities to participate fully in all NSF-supported programs, its human resource division has initiated efforts focused on (1) eliminating barriers to the participation of students with disabilities in science, engineering, and mathematics studies; (2) changing the attitudes of the education community and the public in general about the potential of persons with disabilities; and (3) offering aid for adaptive technologies and assistance to allow students, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to participate in NSF-supported research.

Mary Kohlerman, Program Director
Program for Persons With Disabilities
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1637
e-mail: mkohlerm@nsf.gov

Program for Women and Girls

The Program for Women and Girls supports projects that have high potential for effecting both short- and long-term changes in the representation of women in science, engineering, and mathematics careers, and in the overall science, engineering, and mathematics education of women and girls. Efforts involved in the initiative address educational issues from preschool through the graduate level, as well as professional issues. Three program activities accomplish this goal: Academic Achievement in Research and Education, Implementation and Development Projects for Women and Girls.

Lola Rogers
Program for Women and Girls
Division of Human Resource Development
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1637
lrogers@nsf.gov

Rural Systemic Initiatives Program

The Rural Systemic Initiatives Program (RSI) addresses barriers to systemic and sustainable improvements in science, mathematics, and technology education in rural, economically disadvantaged regions of the nation. The RSI is designed to fund projects from coalitions in regions defined by similarities in social, cultural, and economic circumstances, rather than by governmental boundaries. The program supports activities that lead to the formation of partnerships and coalitions; determination of present needs and resources and of future educational goals; implementation of strategies directed toward systemic educational reform, (such as: professional development for teachers and administrators that is aligned with national science and mathematics standards); adaptation of high quality, challenging curricula to address cultural diversity; and formulation of appropriate assessment strategies that measure achievement for all students regardless of socioeconomic status.

Judy Chase or Gerald Gipp
Rural Systemic Initiatives
Division of Educational System Reform
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 875
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1684
e-mail: lchase@nsf.gov or ggipp@nsf.gov

Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program

The Statewide Systemic Initiatives Program (SSI) encourages improvements in science, mathematics, and engineering education through comprehensive systemic changes in the education systems of the states. SSI represents a strategy to strengthen the infrastructure for science and mathematics education through coordination of state policies and resources. This requires the collaboration of educators at all levels, as well as representatives of business and industry, parents, and the community-at-large. States were selected for funding through a rigorous merit review process that included preliminary proposals, panel reviews of full proposals and site visits. Selection was based on: (1) state commitment to fundamental reform of mathematics and science education; (2) new directions in state vision for mathematics and science education that include curriculum goals, assessment, teacher development, equity, governance and improved outcomes; (3) consensus on the current status of science and mathematics education and on the identification of the most serious problems that need to be addressed; (4) partnerships that enable the effort to succeed; (5) a plan for effective management and oversight; and (6) an evaluation plan that encourages mid-course corrections. Twenty-five states and Puerto Rico have received five-year awards.

Julio Lopez-Ferrao
Division of Educational System Reform
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 875
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1684
Fax: (703) 306-0456
e-mail: jlopezfe@nsf.gov

Teacher Enhancement (TE)

TE supports professional development projects that lead to new levels of teacher competence and a supportive school culture that empowers teachers to engage all students in rich and challenging programs in science, mathematics and technology (SMT) education. Projects improve, broaden, and deepen the disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge of teachers and involve administrators and others who play significant roles in providing quality SMT education for students in grades pre-K--12. Special emphasis is given to projects that implement systemic change, develop a leadership infrastructure, and provide research experiences for teachers and students. Of particular interest are projects that use technology to reach geographically and professionally isolated teachers and that make more curriculum and support materials available to them for their teaching. Projects that enable teachers to use curriculum materials that incorporate technology and those that empower teachers to reflect on, analyze, and improve instructional skills are encouraged. The TE program also considers projects that use technology to disseminate quality science, mathematics, and technology education materials, train teachers to use those materials effectively, and support them in making the transition.

Mike Haney
Program Director
Teacher Enhancement Program
Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 885
Alexandria, VA 22230
(703) 306-1613
e-mail: mhaney@nsf.gov

Teacher Preparation in Undergraduate Programs

In addition to the NSF Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation, other programs in the Division of Undergraduate Education support teacher preparation. In particular, the Course and Curriculum, Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement, and Undergraduate Faculty Enhancement Programs support projects which improve the undergraduate preparation of future K 12 teachers. The Advanced Technology Education program targets technicians being educated for the high-performance work place of advanced technologies. The program supports technical experiences for students and faculty, K 12 teacher development, instructional materials development, and instrumentation and laboratory improvement, as well as national/regional centers.

Robert Watson
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1666
rwatson@nsf.gov

Urban Systemic Initiatives Program

The Urban Systemic Initiatives (USI) Program in science, mathematics, and technology education is a comprehensive and systemic effort designed to enable fundamental reform of K-12 science and mathematics education in large urban school systems. Eligibility for the program is limited to school systems in cities having the largest numbers of school-aged children (ages 5-17) living in poverty as determined by the 1990 Census. Built upon experience gained from the Statewide Systemic Initiatives (SSI) program and the former Comprehensive Regional Centers for Minorities, the program provides significant support for 5 years to cities that have completed comprehensive planning and demonstrate readiness to make systemic and sustainable changes in the policies, practices, and procedures of urban school systems.

Madeline Long
Urban Systemic Initiatives
Division of Education System Reform
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
(703) 306-1684
e-mail: mlong@nsf.gov
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[The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)]

[Smithsonian Institution]