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The Math and Science Partnerships Initiative

April 2001

Background. In fiscal 2002, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has requested $200 million to begin the Math and Science Partnerships Initiative (MSPI), part of President Bush's No Child Left Behind plan to strengthen and reform K-12 education.

Goal. The MSPI will work to strengthen math and science education through partnerships between state and local school districts and institutions of higher education to provide students with enhanced opportunities to perform to high standards.

Budget Details. The centerpiece of K-12 activities in NSF's Directorate for Education and Human Resources, MSPI will amount to $200 million, adding $90 million in new funds to $110 million redirected from existing K-12 education activities with similar objectives.

The Partnerships Approach. These partnerships will mobilize scientists, mathematicians and engineers to work with educators on:

• bringing research-based approaches into the classroom to improve student achievement;
  
  
• strengthening math and science standards and curricula;
  
  
• eliminating the performance gap between majority and minority and disadvantaged students;
  
  
• improving math and science training for teachers; and
  
  
• reaching underserved schools and students in creative new ways.

Two categories of activities will be supported through a competitive, merit-review process involving mathematicians, scientists, engineers, state and local education officials, teachers, educators and researchers.

Infrastructure Partnerships - These are between states and institutions of higher learning to develop and implement plans for improving math and science education statewide. Activities center on state-specific issues, such as: teacher training and certification; aligning assessments to high standards; and establishing systems for data collection and analysis to monitor and refine programs.

Action Partnerships - These are regionally focused so that reform efforts in math and science education are closely tailored to local needs and realities.

NSF will work with relevant communities to ensure that all partnerships have a strong foundation and use effective research-based practices towards achieving the overall goal--leaving no child behind.

For additional information about the NSF FY02 Budget Request, see the budget page.

 
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