The Western Mathematics Scholars Program is a regional teacher enhancement effort for teachers of grades seven through twelve in Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Each of 126 teachers will participate in the program for two full summers and academic years. The program includes a five-week summer institute, to be offered each of two summers at three campus sites (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Chadron State College in Nebraska, and Cheyenne Community College in Wyoming.) Each summer, 42 teachers will participate at each site. They will take courses in discrete mathematics, data analysis, geometric perspectives, and modeling with modern technology. Each course includes concept exploration and development, together with laboratory sessions focusing on classroom implementation. Special speakers and extra sessions are included; as part of the teacher enhancement process, exemplary modules demonstrating the use of project approaches in classrooms will be developed by the participants. During the academic year, teachers will implement project ideas in their classrooms, conduct inservice activities in their local areas, and attend regional followup meetings. The project extends the successful model of the Nebraska Mathematics Scholars program (TPE 8550604) by providing opportunities for teachers throughout five states to become involved. The project is administered through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; subcontracts are included for Colorado State University, the University of South Dakota, Minot State University in North Dakota, and the University of Wyoming. Cost sharing is provided by participants' schools and other sources as 19% of the NSF award.
