Federal award helps APSU improve K-8 science, math education throughout area
The Austin Peay State University College of Education recently received $476,000 in
federal funding to provide state-of-the art science and mathematics instruction to
K-8 preservice teachers and professional development workshops and courses for elementary
and middle school teachers.
We are very excited about this award, APSU President Tim Hall said. It reinforces
the Universitys historic strength as a place where teachers learn to teach. It also
recognizes the Universitys increasing prominence in the area of undergraduate science
and math education.
The Austin Peay State University College of Education recently received $476,000 in
federal funding to provide state-of-the art science and mathematics instruction to
K-8 preservice teachers and professional development workshops and courses for elementary
and middle school teachers.
We are very excited about this award, APSU President Tim Hall said. It reinforces
the Universitys historic strength as a place where teachers learn to teach. It also
recognizes the Universitys increasing prominence in the area of undergraduate science
and math education.
The Austin Peay State University College of Education recently received $476,000 in
federal funding to provide state-of-the art science and mathematics instruction to
K-8 preservice teachers and professional development workshops and courses for elementary
and middle school teachers.
鈥淲e are very excited about this award,鈥 APSU President Tim Hall said. 鈥淚t reinforces
the University's historic strength as a place where teachers learn to teach. It also
recognizes the University's increasing prominence in the area of undergraduate science
and math education.鈥
The congressional award was the result of two years of lobbying to improve science
and math education for preservice teachers. The award was the result of the support
of Congressman John Tanner of Tennessee's 8th District.
鈥淭his is the largest award the College of Education has ever received. We are very
grateful to Congressman Tanner for his support,鈥 Dr. Carlette Hardin, interim dean
of the College of Education, said. 鈥淭his funding allows us to provide the very best
instruction for our students.鈥
The funding provides for several major projects, including the purchase of science
and mathematics technology equipment and supplies for a new science laboratory in
the Claxton Building. Currently workers are removing bookshelves and desks from a
classroom, and in the next few weeks they will install new tile and cabinets, sinks,
refrigerators, eyewash stations and lab tables with ports for laptop computers.
鈥淔or years we have wanted to create a science and mathematics teaching laboratory
that would allow us to teach our students in the best facilities possible and this
funding has allowed that dream to come true,鈥 Hardin said.
In January, APSU education students will enter the new lab to train in a hands-on
environment, much like what they'll find in local public schools.
鈥淲e have the very best teacher candidates and they deserve the best space in which
to learn,鈥 Dr. Rebecca McMahan, program director and chair of the APSU Department
of Teaching and Learning, said.
Sheila Pirkle, the other co-director for the project, added, 鈥淲e need to be able to
provide our students with state-of-the-art facilities so they are fully prepared to
go out and teach science.鈥 Pirkle co-wrote the award proposal with McMahan, and she
will have office space next to the new lab.
The award also supports professional development programs, which will take place beginning
in June 2010. Teachers will earn stipends while participating in two weeks of full-day
mathematic- and science-integrated study. Problem-based learning will be modeled and
the new mathematics and science state content standards will be the focus.
The workshops will be facilitated by Pirkle and Dr. Anne Assad, assistant professor
in the mathematics department and mathematics education specialist, who co-directs
the program.
The award is timely in the wake of studies that reveal deficits in science and mathematics
instruction in grades K-8. The ultimate and long-range goal of the project is to
better prepare teachers to encourage and educationally sustain students in grades
K-8 to progress through school and eventually enter fields that are STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) focused.
鈥淭he award allows us to make an investment in the education and training of teachers,
which will have many returns,鈥 McMahan said. 鈥淭he state-of-the-art facility elevates
the position of science education to the level of attention that it deserves in teacher
education programs. The facility and training model will be shared nationally as an
exemplary example of the efforts to train our nation's future teachers.鈥
For more information on the award and the project, contact McMahan at 931-221-7513
or mcmahanb@apsu.edu. -- Charles Booth