Title of Effective Practice: - California Postsecondary Education ...

Direct Connection to Policy Area 2 of The Illinois Commitment
IMSA Excellence 2000+ (E2K+)
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The program has four goals:
1. Increase or maintain students’ interest, involvement and literacy in science and mathematics;
2. Enhance the knowledge and skills of middle school science and mathematics teachers;
3. Stimulate excellence in middle schools’ science and mathematics programs; and
4. Help increase access to programming for students who are historically underrepresented in mathematics and science,
and for all areas of the state.
Description of the effective practice:
IMSA Excellence 2000+ (E2K+) is an after-school enrichment program for Illinois middle school students who are
talented, interested and motivated in mathematics and science. IMSA E2K+ places a special emphasis on students who are
historically under-represented and under-served in mathematics and science. The program also provides on-going
professional development for participating Illinois middle school teachers. Students attend weekly IMSA E2K+ sessions at
their school site beginning in the 6th or 7th grade, and continue through their 8th grade year. They also may participate in
related field trips and other enrichment activities. The teachers’ professional development activities provide background,
materials and methodology used in the weekly sessions.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
Under a newly developed model, sites apply to participate, and pay a nominal annual fee to help defray central costs that
directly impact students. Schools are responsible for teacher stipends, substitute and travel costs, while IMSA continues to
underwrite “central” costs such as curriculum development, professional development for teachers, provision of unit
booklets, loan of instructional materials for curriculum implementation, and site support. A “Sustainability Toolkit” booklet
has been written that provides tips on ways to sustain the program at the site. This booklet is provided to all principals and
coordinators, and presentations and Webinars are offered to explain ways to achieve program sustainability.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
Did the program maintain or increase students’ interest, involvement and literacy in science and mathematics? The
majority of students believe that most or all of the E2K+ activities are interesting, and would recommend the E2K+
program to their friends. Most parents and principals agree E2K+ students develop deeper interest and understanding in
mathematics and science. Most parents believe the program is a valuable, meaningful learning experience and should be a
permanent part of the programming.
Did the program enhance the knowledge and skills of science and mathematics teachers? Principals agree teachers are
more involved in professional development and agree they are also more involved in school leadership after participation in
the E2K+ program. Changes in instructional practice, according to teacher reports, are clear for almost all strategies
promoted by the professional development.
Did the program stimulate excellence in middle schools’ science and mathematics programs? Parents describe the most
valuable experience of the E2K+ program for their children in terms of students' passion for mathematics and science in
addition to increased content knowledge, new peer relationships, and the field trips included in the program. In terms of the
importance of the E2K+ program, students focus on the application of mathematics and science to their careers, education,
issues in the world, and their lived experience. Teachers see changes in students and themselves in terms of interest,
knowledge, and practical abilities for research. They have also appreciated closer relationships with students.
Did the program increase access to programming for students who are historically underrepresented in mathematics and
science, and for all areas of the state? The program served 894 students and 92 teachers from 46 schools in 12 counties
throughout Illinois. Twelve sites are outside the greater Chicago metropolitan area, and 13 are Chicago Public Schools. In
the schools served, 62.4% of the students are classified as low income, 48.5% are African American, and 15.3% are Latino.
Contact Information
Name: Susan Bisinger
Email: bisinger@imsa.edu
Phone: (630) 907-5000
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