Puerto Rico Statewide Systemic Initiative in Science and Mathematics Education

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The Puerto Rico Statewide Systemic Initiative in Science and Mathematics Education is a joint venture between the Puerto Rico Department of Education, the Resource Center for Science and Engineering, and the Puerto Rico General Council of Education to revise its science and mathematics curriculum in grades K-12. This collaboration provides a method to link expertise in science and mathematics education, institutions of higher education, and policy initiatives to systemically alter Puerto Rico's educational system. The project will: 1. Revise science and mathematics curriculum focused on students' cognitive skills and depth of scientific understanding. 2. Revise teacher preparation curriculum to upgrade subject matter understanding and instructional methods. 3. Promote parent and community involvement in school improvement efforts. 4. Develop, pilot, and adopt new assessment methods consistent with revised curriculum materials and instructional practices. 5. Establish and measure island-wide standards of excellence in science and mathematics education. Twenty-one model schools (one elementary, middle, and secondary school in each of the Commonwealth's seven geographic regions) will be the vehicles for testing and disseminating the reforms. They will serve as regional centers for ten additional schools. By the year 2000, all 1,600 schools in Puerto Rico will have restructured their science and mathematics education programs.