Believe and Achieve is a comprehensive and integrated curriculum of mathematics, science, and critical thinking especially designed for minority and female junior high school students. The program uses videotapes and written lessons developed by faculty at the University of St. Thomas. The major components of Believe and Achieve are: (1) instructional materials especially designed for minority and other underrepresented groups, which contain strategies for increasing these students' confidence and achievement; (2) interdisciplinary instruction among the mathematics, science, and English classes with material from each of the classes used to emphasize points in the other classes, and critical thinking and problem solving skills emphasized throughout; (3) an intensive five-week summer program, held on the University of St. Thomas campus, with a particular emphasis on computer programming, a hands on science project, and concepts of physics; and (4) a network of resources focused on the importance and usefulness of mathematics, science, and critical thinking, and on helping to motivate student to higher achievement. In many cases, students in the program are learning mathematics and science two years earlier than they normally would. In addition, the students are given opportunities to achieve success solving problems with mathematics which increases their confidence and interest in pursuing advanced courses. Teachers and students have been very responsive to this success. Currently over 1200 students and 40 teachers are taking part in the program. Within the year, it is estimated that 2000 students and 60 teachers will be involved. The support of the NSF will allow the number of students in the program to increase rapidly.
