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NSF
> EHR > HRD > Programs > Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI)
RSI - Rural Systemic Initiatives
Rural Systemic Initiatives (RSI)
Overview
The Rural Systemic Initiatives in Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Education Program was developed in FY 1994. RSI like the Urban Systemic
Initiatives and the Statewide Systemic Initiatives stimulates system-wide
educational reform of science, mathematics, and technology.
RSI is focused on improved education for students in rural, economically
disadvantaged regions of the nation, particularly those that have been
underserved by NSF programs; and on sustaining the improvements through
encouraging community participation in instructional and policy reform. RSI is
tailored to address policy, leadership, and workforce issues related to
education, to provide a comprehensive and sustainable framework for science,
mathematics, and technology education technology in elementary, secondary, and
higher education.
RSI targets regions that are highly rural; characterized by significant
levels of poverty among their school-age children; and that share common
cultural, social, and economic characteristics. Interested individuals or
identified leaders within eligible regions form consortia that include large
NSF-funded Initiatives (e.g., SSI, EPSCoR, USP). RSI regions can be
geographically vast, typically crossing state lines, or may be composed of
areas that are geographically separated but linked by a unitary vision and
other commonalities.
The RSI project scope is divided into two strategic elements. The initial
element is a Development phase, to support planning for structuring
Implementation (second) phase vision, strategies, and priorities. During the
Development period, projects conduct regional self-studies to gather pertinent
information regarding target populations, regional strengths and barriers, and
policies that enhance or hinder instructional reform. Moreover, successful
Development projects should result in a viable evaluation strategy to be
utilized during the Implementation phase. The second strategic element, the
Implementation phase, focuses on realizing the strategies for systemic
improvement in RSI districts, schools and classrooms. The strategies can
include teaching workforce enhancements, curriculum innovation, leadership
development among teachers and local district administrators, and innovative
and pertinent assessment strategies; and must result in better classroom
instruction and higher student achievement.
RSI goals include:
- The improvement of science, mathematics, and technology education in rural,
economically disadvantaged regions of the nation.
- The preparation of a technologically competent workforce to enhance the
infrastructure of economic development activities within a community or region,
by strengthening the science, mathematics, and technology instructional
capacities of regional colleges and universities.
- The enhancement of scientific literacy and science understanding and
appreciation among students and the general community in rural, economically
disadvantaged regions of the nation.
- The development of community infrastructure to provide resources to sustain
educational improvements.
Program Due Dates
No RSI competition dates are currently available.
Program Solicitation
Current RSI Projects
Program Contact
For more information about RSI, contact:
Program Director
Dr. Anslem Davis
(703) 292-5178 (Phone)
(703) 292-9018 (Fax)
adavis@nsf.gov
Program Specialist
Ms. Denise Spain
(703) 292-5189 (Phone)
(703) 292-9018 (Fax)
dspain@nsf.gov
Program Specialist
Ms. Gloria Strothers
(703) 292-4718 (Phone)
(703) 292-9018 (Fax)
gstrothe@nsf.gov
Science Assistant
Mr. Andrew Watkins
(703) 292-4679 (Phone)
(703) 292-9018 (Fax)
awatkins@nsf.gov
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