9350041 Johnson The Colorado Statewide Systemic Initiatives, "Pursuing Equity, Achievement and Knowledge for Students in Mathematics and Science Education" (PEAKS) employs three strategies: (1) linking the development of high mathematics and science standards with changes in curriculum, assessment, instructional models, teacher preparation, and professional development; (2) providing leadership and sustained support for a consistent policy environment at all levels of school governance; and (3) engaging the public as partners in reforming mathematics and science education. Based in the State's existing standards-based reform efforts and in strong connections to the State's major science- and mathematics-focused businesses, PEAKS will support local school districts as they first develop curriculum and assessment standards based on those adopted by the State and then prepare and implement a plan for staff development, uses of technology, community involvement, assurance of educational equity, assessment, policy review, documentation of student achievement, and establishing a professional development school for teacher development. The program will develop a centralized enabling structure for bottom-up changes, making extensive use of existing efforts that have proven successful in the State. Local Catalyst Partnerships between schools and institutions of higher education, parents, business and industry, state and federal agencies will develop and implement a standards-based education system that has high expectations for all students. Regional Collaboratives will provide technical assistance, professional development, and linkages to national, state, and local resources to the Local Catalyst Partnerships. A State infrastructure of leadership, policies, and mechanisms to support system alignment and local innovation completes the set of networks that will organize the program. ***
