Fergus Falls center to train teachers in science, math

By Trisha Marczak (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Wednesday, May 28, 2008

In keeping with global competition, the Minnesota Department of Education announced plans to launch Minnesota’s Math and Science Teacher Academy this summer, which will host nine centers throughout the state, including one in Fergus Falls.

The five-day program will follow a pro-development plan which will ask teachers to analyze data from students in their own classrooms and look at possible ways of improving their teaching style to include more relevant instruction.

The ultimate goal of the program will be able to improve math and science education in Minnesota schools, so that graduates will be able perform at higher levels in college and, possibly, prepare them for careers in the math and science fields.

“We really believe strongly that this is going to prepare our students in Minnesota for the 21st century,” said Minnesota Education Commissioner Alice Seagren.

Input for educators will be provided by representatives in higher education, including guests from the Science Museum in Minneapolis. All input will be provided as a guideline for curriculum alignment throughout the state.

The push for the program comes at a time when Minnesota schools are preparing for new math curriculum revisions. Effective 2015, eighth grade students throughout the state will be required to take Algebra 1.

The legislature’s bi-annual budget last year approved $3 million in funding for the program’s first two years. A National Governors Association grant will provide the program with an additional $500,000. Seagren said it is likely that the program will run beyond the two years of initial funding.

Some 900 teachers are expected to attend the course this summer, Seagren said. The program comes at no costs to educators, who will walk away with the knowledge necessary to train others within their school districts.

“It’s not just about learning something, it’s about implementing it.” Seagren said.

Centers will run in Fergus Falls, Mankato, Marshall, Mountain Iron, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, Staples and Thief River Falls.