Improving student achievement in math and science

Abstract

The future of maths and science school teaching in the United States is considered. Three "Partnership" projects represent collaborative efforts between Xavier University (XU) of Louisiana, Southern University of New Orleans (SUNG), Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Stennis Space Center (SSC), to enhance student achievement in math and science. These "Partnerships" are focused on students and teachers in federally designated rural empowerment zones and urban enterprise communities. XU and SUNG are located in New Orleans, Louisiana which is designated as an urban enterprise community. The potential for reaching at-risk students is almost unlimited. These partnerships provide this student population with needed opportunities to encourage self-improvement and assist them in discovering their talents, recognizing their potential and challenging their ability for achievement at a very early stage. MSVU, Itta Bena, MS, is located in the Mississippi Delta, which is designated as a Rural Empowerment Zone. The Delta is primarily a rural agricultural farming region, producing crops such as catfish, cotton, soybeans, and corn. Students in this region historically perform poorly on standardized math and science tests. Teachers in this area have limited classroom resources but have been expected to face the difficult task of developing innovative methods for reaching these students. The general population served by these universities is socially and economically disadvantaged.