The aim of this three year professional development program is to give 36 teachers (grades 4 through 12) in the Boston MA area the mathematical and pedagogical background to become teacher-leaders. Specifically, the proposers have designed a program to explore in depth and across grade levels, topics relating to algebra-- beginning with "pre-algebra" topics at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as high school algebra proper. Participating teachers will study these topics using available, exemplary curricular materials, and in the kinds of teaching contexts called for by the NCTM standards--including cooperative peer learning, use of hands-on materials, and applications of computers and calculators. To these ends, participants will attend eighteen half- day workshops during the school year, which will take place during the school day. Local businesses cooperating with the project will provide substitutes to the schools gratis, using volunteer employees who can discuss with students how mathematics is used in the work place and who, in turn, will gain an appreciation of the day-to-day problems of the schools. During the summer, the teacher- participants will continue their studies in an intensive two-week workshop. This basic format will be repeated in each of the three years of the program. In the second year, the participating teachers will develop and begin to implement new lessons relating to algebra in their own classrooms. Project staff will provide close support and mentoring throughout the year. The lessons developed will then be integrated into a coherent 4-12 program of algebra: "Algebra for Everyone." In the third year, participants will plan and lead a variety of inservice programs in their schools and districts to familiarize other teachers with the new materials and teaching styles. The program will conclude with a dissemination conference at which the materials, lessons, and experiences of the program will be made available on a national basis.
