This project will introduce into grades two through six at fifteen sites in Arkansas a program that integrates science and mathematics. Eighty students will selected to participate in each of three phases (grades two-three, grades four-five, grade six). A search will be undertaken for suitable, existing materials; additional instructional materials will be developed as needed. The program will emphasize critical thinking skills and will exploit the computer and other educational technology when appropriate. An intensive teacher training effort will coincide with the curriculum development activities. A pair of teachers from each of the fifteen sites will attend a three-week program in order to upgrade their knowledge of mathematics and science to the level demanded by the integrated curriculum that is adopted, and to become familiar with the instructional materials to be used. Such sessions will be held each summer for four years, thereby bringing the number of trained teachers to 120. The first year the focus will be on second and third grade teachers; in subsequent years teachers in progressively higher grades will participate. In each summer, sixty local elementary students will attend these sessions and help with tests of new materials and teaching methods. The dissemination of this trial program to other schools in Arkansas will occur within the frame work of Governor Clinton's Restructured School Program. A precursor to the proposed new program, enrichment in mathematics for gifted students, also benefited from input from the Governor's Office, and has been declared a success, particularly by reducing the performance gap between, minority and majority students. The faculty members from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who manage the older program will also oversee the new one. In addition, leadership and advice will be provided by a Board of Advisors and by expert consultants. This project will serve as a model for university/school/statehouse collaboration on a statewide basis. The cost sharing from state and local sources is forty-five percent of the NSF contribution.
