Program links learning and teaching in middle school mathematics

Recent studies indicate that students in U.S. schools lag behind numerous countries in mathematics achievement. University of Missouri-Columbia researchers in the College of Arts & Science’s Department of Mathematics and the College of Education are coordinating development of a unique program focusing on the mathematical preparation of middle school mathematics teachers. A conference highlighting this and similar programs is being held in St. Louis this week.

"Improving the quality of mathematics education for middle school students is of critical importance," said Ira Papick, Curator’s Distinguished Teacher Professor of Mathematics. "Increasing the opportunities for students to learn mathematics under the leadership of well-prepared and dedicated teachers is essential."

Investigators for the program, Connecting Middle School and College Mathematics (CM)², have developed materials to better prepare mathematics teachers for instruction in the classroom. The materials consist of four texts focusing on algebra, calculus, geometry, and probability and data analysis.

"The books are designed to provide middle grade mathematics teachers with a strong mathematical foundation and to connect the mathematics they are learning with the mathematics they will be teaching," Papick said. "They employ standards-based middle grade mathematics curricular materials as a springboard to explore and learn mathematics in more depth."

The four books will be published by Prentice Hall in 2005.

The (CM)² project is a three year, $1.2 million grant funded by the National Science Foundation. For more information on the project, visit the project Web site.

2004

Additional links:

Ira Papick
Department of Mathematics

College of Education

National Science Foundation

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