PMSA-9453852 Sacramento City Unified School Dist. Sacramento, CA Johnson, L. C. and James Harold "Sacramento Schools/MESA Partnerships For Minority Student Achievement" Building on a ling-standing collaborative relationship, the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) and Sacramento MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Achievement) propose to undertake a systemic reform of K-12 science and mathematics education in 50 high-minority schools. Multiple allies in this concerted effort are from industry, government, education agencies, universities, the statewide MESA network, community groups and parents of the 17,000 underrepresented minority students who are the SSM-PMSA project's focus. Among the changes that SSMA-PMSA proposes to effect are: increases in quality and quantity of hands-on science and math instruction, availability of and access to college-preparatory courses, use of technology in educational delivery, multilevel curricular articulation, and parent involvement and empowerment; inclusion of cross-cultural curricula free of gender bias; heightened multicultural understanding and sensitivity among constituents in the school environment; institution of improved testing, measurement and assessment techniques; and a strong emphasis on college preparation, academic counseling, and math-based careers and career paths. Project activities will include a variety of student enrichments; educational and training opportunities for teachers, principals, parents, and students; provision and use of hands-on math and science materials, summer programs; and industry participation. By year V, over 35,000 students in SCUSD will have benefited directly and indirectly from SSM-PMSA activities and the number of underrepresented students who are motivated and qualified to enroll in SEM majors will double or triple. NSF/PMSA funding will enable the partnership to initiate, expand, and continue meaningful and lasting reforms that its individual member s could not successfully accomplish. the accelerated standards, enriched education program, and upgraded teacher skills.
