The Ozarks RSI proposes to use an existing coalition of school districts in rural southwestern Missouri to initiate systemic reform of science, mathematics, engineering and technology. The target school districts evidence a desire for reform and the districts' 26,090 students meet the criteria established by NSF.
During the development year, the Southwest Center for Educational Excellence will take a strong leadership role in the collection of data and the delivery of services. The SCEE has strong performance capacity and has been active in professional development and curriculum training since its formation. The leadership team is headed by Dr. Arch Gordanier, Superintendent at Seneca R-1. Dr. Gordanier and the project director has experience with the El Paso USI and with TIMSS research. They expect to expand their coalition of local teachers, business leaders, community members, students and university officials throughout the development year.
The Ozarks RSI's primary goal is to ensure that in international comparisons all of our students achieve exemplary levels of mathematical and scientific understanding through creating partnerships and networks; applying research; and designing, sharing, implementing and disseminating exemplary programs and practices.
