Advance the understanding of mathematics and science reform through; (1) analysis of school-higher education partnership initiatives on STEM education and (2) research on key characteristics of students, schools, and projects affecting learning outcomes in mathematics and science.
Encourage and support faculty planning and development of K-16 activities in seeking resources through external support.
Promote interactions, cooperation and coordination between the colleges involved in STEM education to:
Improve pre-service training of mathematics and science teachers and other school administratorsby implementing and institutionalizing rigorous preparation programs designed specifically to meet the needs of preK-12 teachers and other professionals.
Improve preK-12 in-service mathematics and science teachers' knowledge of both content and pedagogy through a comprehensive professional development program delivered by traditional and distance-learning mechanisms, organized around content-focused courses and job-embedded instructional formats.
Increase student learning opportunities and levels of achievement by promoting enrollment and successful completion of greater numbers of students in upper-level mathematics and science courses.
Maintain and enhance the network of partnerships with preK-12 schools and districts created through the activities of the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative, the Appalachian Mathematics and Science Partnership, and other university STEM programs.
Create and implement relationships with other stakeholders in mathematics and science reform, e.g. Kentucky Department of Education, Council on Postsecondary Education and the US Department of Education, the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies that support education and business and industry.
