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

Direct Connection to Policy Area 2 of The Illinois Commitment
Math and Science Partnership
Blackburn College
What issue or need is addressed by the effective practice?
The objective of the Math and Science Partnership is to improve the quality of education at all levels by creating
a strong relationship between the college and area public schools. The need for effective and efficient schools
can hardly be overstated, and this practice directly addresses one of the foremost Illinois Commitments.
Description of the effective practice:
The Math and Science Partnership is a partnership with two regional offices of education and is extended over
three years where each year focused on different school levels: elementary, middle school, and high school.
Each year math and science teachers from Calhoun, Christian, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin and Montgomery
counties attend an orientation in May, a summer institute at Blackburn College for two weeks during the
summer, and four follow-up sessions during the school year. The project provides teachers with the opportunity
to purchase classroom materials and equipment. Additionally, Blackburn College students are placed as tutors in
the schools.
The project has three goals: (1) To increase the content expertise of mathematics and science teachers, (2) To
increase teaching skills through access to the expertise of mathematicians, scientists, engineers and other such
professionals, their technologies and resources, and (3) To increase the understanding and application of
educational research pertinent to mathematics and science teaching and learning.
How does this practice achieve sustainability?
The Math and Science Partnership directly addresses some of the greatest needs of districts in southwestern
Illinois regarding preparing young people for a global economy that puts an ever higher premium on technology
and technological innovation.
The program has been very well received by the school district superintendents who have made commitments
toward institutionalizing the program. There are plans to continue the program beyond the initial three year plan
through coordinated requests for grant funding.
What are the results/measurable outcomes?
There were 81 teachers served in Math and Science Partnership workshops during the 2005-2006 and 2006-
2007 school years. Most of the teachers reported through surveys that they were very satisfied with the math and
science summer institute. The teachers indicated that they felt that they were much more knowledgeable in the
area of science and math at their grade level. Specifically, the surveys found that 93% reported that they
accomplished the objectives of this summer institute, 77% believe they will be able to use what they learned in
the summer institute, and 73% believe the activities in this summer institute gave them sufficient practice and
feedback.
Contact Information
Name: M.L. Feldmann, Ph.D.
Email: matt.feldmann@blackburn.edu
Phone: (800) 233-3550
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