This 2.5 year project will provide enhancement opportunities in mathematics education for all teachers of grades K through two in Columbiana County, Ohio, an economically depressed, rural Appalachian area. The purposes are four-fold: to enhance teachers' knowledge of mathematics and developmentally appropriate pedagogical practices; to increase the use of manipulative materials in mathematics instruction; to foster awareness of cultural and gender equity issues pertinent to a rural setting; and to develop a cadre of teacher leaders who can help sustain the ideas of the project following funding. School principals will be involved in central ways. The project builds on an earlier effort supported with Eisenhower funds; 32 teachers from that early effort will serve as peer coaches and mentors in the current project. During the 91*-92 academic year and summer, and then in the 92-93 academic year and summer, all 174 primary teachers in the county will participate in school-based inservice activities and summer institutes. The peer coaches will receive additional preparation and will work with the participants in their schools throughout the project. A strong qualitative evaluation process will support dissemination of the project's successes and strategies. Cost sharing is provided by Kent State University and Columbiana County as 28% of the NSF award.
