Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative

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Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative

• An Alabama Department of Education initiative to
  improve math and science teaching (K-12)

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AMSTI was built on a solid research foundation

• Data from international and national studies
  (TIMSS, NAEP, Glenn Commission)
• National recommendations/standards
• Initiatives in other states
• Programs already in Alabama
• Alabama courses of study and certification
  requirements
• Business and industry needs (AMSTEC)
• Extensive review of the literature
• Needs of Alabama teachers (state survey of math
  and science teachers)

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AMSTI provides three basic services so students
learn through DOING math and science
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Professional Development

• All math and science teachers and administrators
  in AMSTI Schools attend two-week Summer
  Institutes for two consecutive summers.
  Instruction is grade and subject specific.
• Additional professional development is provided
  throughout the school year through school
  Learning Teams and Inservice Days.

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Supplies and Equipment

• AMSTI provides all the equipment, supplies, and
  materials needed to deliver high-quality,
  activity-based instruction on which they have
  received training.
• The materials arrive prepackaged in kits ready
  for immediate use.

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On-Site Support

• Teachers are supported and mentored by AMSTI site
  math and science specialists as they implement
  the training they received during the summer.

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AMSTI was designed around the concept of
PARTNERSHIPS

• Programs
• Examples GLOBE, ASIM, ATIM, LASER
• Higher Education
• Examples UNA, UAH, AM, USA, UM
• Business and the Community
• Examples AMSTEC, Blue Cross/Blue Shield,
  ALCOA, NASA, Gulf Coast Exploreum
• Organizations
• Examples ACTM, ASTA, SERVE (National
  lab), Mobile Education Foundation, Alabama Super
  Computer Authority

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Does the AMSTI method of teaching really make
any difference?
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Academic performance was measured using data
from the following tests

• Stanford Achievement Test (10th Edition)
• Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing (ADAW)
• Alabama Alternative Assessment (AAA)
• Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE).

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Grades 3-5 Math and Science
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Stanford 10Grades 6-8 Math and Grade 7 Science
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Strong Reading and Writing Connections

• Literature is included in many kits.
• Reading strategies advocated by the Alabama
  Reading Initiative (ARI) included in AMSTI
  training.
• Math and science notebooks/journaling are
  included in AMSTI.

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Stanford Reading Grades 3-8
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Grades 5, 7 ADAW
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Alabama Alternative Assessment
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Alabama High School Graduation Exam(AHSGE)
Figure 3. AMSTI vs. Non-AMSTI Comparison of
Gains Made from Previous Year on AHSGE
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8.11
8
6
4.75
Percentage Gains
4
2
0.99
-0.53
0
Science 11
Math 11
-2
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Currently, three AMSTI Sites serve three of the
states 11 regions
USA
UAH
UNA
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AMSTI Statistics to Date

• 72 official AMSTI schools with all teachers of
  math and science trained (1800 teachers and
  administrators)
• Serving over 42,000 students on a daily basis
• Provided limited training for hundreds of other
  teachers across the state
• First Leadership Academy for Math, Science, and
  Technology (LAMST) - 80 school leadership teams
  from across the state trained

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The future??????????

• SDE Budget Proposal of 15 MY for FY 06 (October
  2005 September 06)

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Funding will allow

• Continued operation of 3 current AMSTI sites
• Add new schools
• 3 NEW AMSTI Sites! ! !
• Completion of AMSTI high school science component
  (ASIM) in all 11 regions
• AMSTI/new Course of Study alignment

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How would you want your child to learn math and
science?

• Like this . . .

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Or this ?
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Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative
(AMSTI)

• Helping students develop the knowledge and skills
  necessary for success in the workforce and
  post-secondary studies
• www.amsti.org