IUCRC for the Enhancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME)

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This supplement provides funding for a pilot Teacher Enhancement Project at Northeastern University. The project involves establishing the Center for the Enhancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CESAME). This Center will be organized within the framework of the Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) model developed by NSF. CESAME will differ in one major way from a conventional IUC in that to date IUCs have focused upon fostering research projects conducted by scientists and engineers working in technological areas relevant to industry. CESAME will be concerned with fostering projects conducted by teachers and other parties concerned with enhancing K- 12 education. By applying the IUC approach to education, CESAME will systematically disseminate results and nurture the development of "teacher-mentors". These leaders are vitally needed to spark widespread positive changes in the country's educational system. Another important facet of the proposed Center is the melding of state resources with those of federal and industrial partners. The Bay State Skills Corporation (BSSC) and the Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Telecommunications (MCET) will be active participants in CESAME. This mixture of state, federal and private sector participation is critical in an area such as pre- college education. The Program Director recommends Northeastern University be awarded $100,000 for the first year of this pilot Teacher Enhancement Project. This project is being co-funded ($50,000) by the Education and Human Resources Directorate, Teacher Enhancement Program. Near the end of the first year the Program Director will review the progress of the Center on a number of criteria, including the following: (1) the extent to which the university- industry interaction is developing; (2) the extent to which the support base of $100,000 is met and expanded; (3) the extent to which a robust educational program is developing. If the review is satisfactory, the Program Director will recommend support of the second year of this continuing award.