Synergy: Sharing Successes in Mathematics and Science

Lisa Usher with the LA-SI team
Mathematics Resource Teacher
Los Angeles Systemic Initiative, LAUSD

What are LAUSD schools doing well in K-12 mathematics and science education?

What is the community at large doing to prepare students for their future (rather than our past)? How can new teachers of mathematics and science get involved?

How can veteran teachers of math and science contribute their expertise and leadership?

Over 240 schools have joined in the LAUSD effort to enhance mathematics and science through participation in Phase I and II of the Los Angeles Systemic Initiative (LA-SI); over 30 mathematics and science teacher professional development projects are available to learn new tools and to access materials for the classroom; and community, business, and industry members are seeking synergy with national and local educators to support students' pursuit of mathematical and scientific literacy.

Join with your peers in this national effort to share successful pathways towards these LA-SI goals: increase student enrollment and success in college preparatory and advanced mathematics and science classes; develop hands-on, interactive delivery of mathematics and science; coordinate and implement exemplary curricula, and enhance teacher training and paraprofessional preparation.

Coming soon to LAUSD, clusters, schools, MST Centers and/or organizations during 1996-97:

Academies for K-12 mathematics and science teachers
Demonstration sites and opportunities to observe teachers and discuss exemplary instruction in K-12 mathematics and science classrooms
Follow-up in classroom support for mathematics and science teachers
LAUSDnet web sites for locating additional information and resources
Networks for teachers helping teachers implement new curricula, research exemplary practices, and assess student outcomes
Partnerships with museums, businesses, colleges, and universities to coordinate outreach to parents, students, and teachers
On-going support for teachers by teachers at five Mathematics-Science-Technology Centers serving LAUSD
Mechanisms to enhance Cluster level support of articulation and coordination of the K-12 mathematics and science curricula
Coordination with Local 99 to provide for paraprofessional training in new curricula

How do you get involved today? Contact the MST Center closest to you. Browse their professional library, attend workshops for pay or salary points and check out materials for the classroom.

Call the LA-SI office for more information. Talk to your colleagues at your site about ways to improve student outcomes in mathematics and science.

If you're trying new and exciting classroom lessons in mathematics and science and having trouble "getting the word out," call the Center closest to you regarding possible parent and community events and partnerships.

Consider sharing your successes through networks and workshops. Organize a K-12 teacher committee through your Cluster's Instructional Cabinet to plan effective professional development.