ABSTRACT FOR THE NSF PROPOSAL GK-12: SUPER-M PI: MONIQUE CHYBA DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS, UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
The School and University Partnership for Educational Renewal in Mathematics project (SUPER-M) will bring the knowledge and expertise of research mathematicians into K?12 classrooms, making an important contribution to improving school mathematics in Hawaii. The project will provide K?12 students with an enriching learning environment where mathematics is interesting and dynamic. The project will also contribute to the formation of a cadre of highly qualified teachers, bringing new mathematics expertise to schools throughout the State of Hawaii and helping to sustain the program. Over five years, 38 Fellows will be selected to partner with K?12 schools on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui. Fellows will take a semester long course on ?Issues in K?12 Mathematics Education,? learning about best practices in the design of professional development courses for teachers. Fellows will design and lead workshops for K?12 teachers arising from their areas of research. Upon completion of the course, Fellows will partner with a cooperating teacher, creating and leading mathematics activities for K?12 students. In this way, SUPER-M will provide K?12 students with a solid grounding in mathematics, increasing their opportunities to pursue careers in STEM disciplines. SUPER-M will serve under-represented populations by placing a special emphasis on recruiting Native Hawaiian and women Fellows. SUPER-M expects to profoundly impact the community at large through special events such as summer camps, public outreach events, and family math days.
