Teachers of mathematics and science are invited to become a part of a statewide ‘issue investigation’ to explore the costs of NOT affording a quality mathematics and science educational program in our classrooms, schools, districts, regions and the state.
THE PROBLEM: It is challenging to establish how much is needed financially to provide the best learning environments for our students. Setting a price is very difficult. The price for quality programs for diverse learners rises steadily, especially when we consider the growing diversity of the learners along with the definitions of quality programs and quality teachers. More students have more needs. Societal changes and techno-advances add their own costs. Too many times, we have been forced to determine how much we can accomplish with the least amount of funding support. We rarely have an opportunity to consider the costs of optimal settings; we are rarely asked to explain our professional judgments for these needs.
THE ISSUE: How much does NOT affording a quality mathematics and science program cost?
THE INVITATION: The Illinois Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development invites teachers to share their perspectives in a novel way. We have shifted the paradigm—rather than asking how much a quality program could/should/must cost—we want to find out the costs for our society if we do not afford a quality program. You are encouraged to submit a short essay to explain your perspective(s). You may decide to collaborate with your students, colleagues, partners from your learning community, etc., to deliberate and share your ideas, insight and expertise. The essays will be summarized in a monograph, compiled by Linda Putz, from Fulton Junior High School in O’Fallon. The first 50 submissions will be offered a $50 honorarium. Your anonymity will be protected; generalizable information about the writers may be used.
THE PARAMETERS FOR YOUR INVESTIGATIONS:
Your submission (as a 2-3 page essay) should include 1-3 possible impacts or effects from not affording a quality mathematics and science program for our learners. It should/could include national research statements with Illinois-specific connections, personal reflections and experiences, references from professional organizations and collegial conversations and collaboration, etc.
Submit your essay
o electronically BY APRIL 15
o you may be emailed if clarifying questions emerge
o you will be sent documentation for use in your Certificate Renewal Plan as a part of a statewide committee
o to Linda Putz: lputz@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
o AND in hard copy to
Linda Putz
Fulton Junior High School
307 Kyle Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269
o With the following publication release and generalized information about you signed by the writer(s) on a separate page.
IASCD
ISSUE INVESTIGATION SUBMISSION PUBLICATION RELEASE
Excerpts from my submission to the issue investigation on the costs for not affording a quality mathematics and science program may be used in the monograph of the compiled essays. I understand that the monograph will be displayed in print and electronic formats. I release any claims for the use of the materials and the generalized characteristics of my experience. The citations and references are true to the best of my knowledge.
Signature and date ________________________________________________________
Printed name
Current teaching assignment:_________________________________
Years experience:__________________ County of your school______________
Check:
School type: ______elementary ______middle/junior high _______high
______rural ______Suburban _______urban
School size: ______up to 200 _____to 400 _____to 800 _____to 1200 _____more
Gwen Pollock, Science
Illinois State Board of Education
100 North First Street, C-215
Phone: 217/557-7323
Fax: 217/782-7937
gpollock@xxxxxxxx
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