GEORGIA Governor: Zell Miller Principal Investigator: Michael Padilla University of Georgia Boyd Graduate Studies Research Center University of Georgia Athens, GA 30602 404/542-1763 Five-Year Award Request: $10,000,000 The Georgia Initiative in Mathematics and Science (Project GIMS) focuses on teacher education, adopting improved curricular materials and instructional techniques, and using appropriate assessment techniques. Five university-based regional centers, geographically located throughout the State, will link schools with university faculty, current instructional material, new pedagogies and other resources to support Georgia's vision of science and mathematics education. In addition, policy revisions, public awareness, and parent support will be developed to support the following goals: 1. To increase the successful participation of underrepresented groups in mathematics and science. 2. To develop teachers with strong content and pedagogical foundations in mathematics and science. 3. To recruit and retain the highest quality teaching force. 4. To develop and implement curriculum based on a set of comprehensive principles that is application-based, interdisciplinary in nature, and requires active learner participation. 5. To design innovative assessment techniques that reflect curriculum goals and instructional strategies appropriate to mathematics and science. 6. To initiate fundamental changes in the state educational structure to empower students, teachers, parents, administrators, and the community toward achieving greater scientific literacy.
