CTL leads two-year mathematics and science partnership

November 10, 2008

CTL is the recipient of a two-year Kentucky Department of Education Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) grant aimed at improving the performance of teachers, administrators and students in the areas of mathematics and science.  The non-profit firm is partnering with members of the mathematics and science departments at Morehead State University to provide training and coaching for teachers of grades three through 12 in rural Knott County, Kentucky during the 2008-9 and 2009-10 school years. 

The project, funded through United States Department of Education grants to the states, is designed to deepen teacher content knowledge in mathematics and science as it applies to the standards set by the Kentucky Program of Studies, strengthen mathematics and science instruction, establish an effective professional learning community among mathematics and science teachers, and develop leadership among district leaders and school principals to support the improvement of teaching and learning.

“The partnerships we are forming through this grant will help our district ensure that student learning occurs in rich and meaningful ways,” notes Karen Sandlin, District Mathematics Coach in the Knott County Schools. 

Working with Knott County teachers and administrators and with Morehead State mathematics and science faculty, CTL is developing customized training and on-site coaching that aligns university, school and state curricula, and targets gaps in mathematics and science teacher knowledge.  The project also includes a leadership development component that will prepare district administrators, instructional coaches and principals to support ongoing improvement in instruction in these core subjects. 

In addition to improving mathematics and science instruction in Knott County classrooms, the project will ultimately provide guidelines for a professional development model that the Kentucky Department of Education will be able to apply to improve learning statewide, and will enable Morehead State to strengthen its teacher preparation and recruitment in these essential content areas.  “The Mathematics Science Partnership grant allows CTL and Morehead State to support teachers in grades three to 12 to deepen their content knowledge and its application in the classroom,” says CTL President and COO Dr. Deborah Walker.  “We are excited to be working with Knott County Schools on increasing learning opportunities for students, and appreciate the commitment of school and district leaders, as well as the teaching faculty, to ongoing professional growth.”

Project activities will include formal teacher training sessions, small group teacher tutorials, and classroom coaching.  CTL is also providing instructional tools and resources, student assessment tools, and distance support for teachers to enable continuous professional learning and monitoring of implementation.  Ongoing evaluation of the project is being conducted by independent research scientist Dr. Brent Garrett.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Deborah Walker
v: 502.895.9500 x328