This Math and Science Partnership includes San Francisco State University,
the Berkeley Unified School District, the Jefferson Elementary School
District, and the South San Francisco Unified School District.
The
partnership is focusing on improving student performance in algebra by
uniting three distinct groups of educators: middle and high school algebra
teachers (grades 8-10), undergraduate mathematics majors with interests
in secondary education, and graduate mathematics students who teach remedial
college algebra. The cohort is working together to ensure the successful
learning of algebra for students, particularly underrepresented students,
at the high school and undergraduate level. Improved student achievement
results from the collaboration and its emphasis on improving the effectiveness
of teachers. A key component of the project is professional development
based on the Japanese lesson study model that engages teams of teachers
and graduate students in professional discussions centered on classroom
lessons. Benchmarks include increased percentages of students enrolling
in and passing both high school and college algebra courses. Undergraduate
mathematics majors, by assisting in the secondary schools, receive the
classroom experience needed to encourage them to become teachers while
improving their teaching capabilities.
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