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Worcester State College Press
Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EMC, MASS. DOE AND WORCESTER STATE HOST THE 4th ANNUAL MASSACHUSETTS MATHEMATICS INSTITUTE Program Participation Doubles; Receives $230,000 Grant from Massachusetts Department of Education WORCESTER, Mass. – August 9, 2006 – EMC Corporation along with the Massachusetts Department of Education today announced at a news conference at Worcester State College that the Massachusetts Mathematics Institute (MMI) has begun its fourth year of professional development for elementary school teachers. In addition, a proposal to expand the program and extend it through the school year has received more than $230,000 in funding from the Massachusetts Department of Education. With these new funds, the MMI will offer in-class support and coaching, additional workshops and activities such as classroom visits, math days, tutoring and a math hotline, and perform rigorous evaluation of student outcomes. Richard Bisk, Ph.D., professor and chair of Mathematics Department at Worcester State College, said, “The goal of this program is to give elementary teachers a deep understanding of the mathematics they teach their students. Simply put, you can’t teach what you don’t understand." He also added, "Few students enter our colleges prepared to do serious work requiring mathematics. We encourage our students to focus on understanding, a hard habit to develop when you're eighteen because mathematical potential is largely determined in elementary school. MMI helps elementary teachers reach the depth of understanding that is essential to developing that potential.” Jim Caradonio, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, said “A few years back, former EMC Chairman and CEO Mike Ruettgers came to Worcester’s North High School and made an impassioned plea to teachers and students there for the mastery of mathematics in order to compete successfully in the 21st century as individuals, in businesses and as a nation. And EMC made a commitment to that vision. MMI is now a 3-way partnership between Worcester’s schools, EMC and Worcester State College – schools, business and higher education – all 3 working in concert to understand the needs of each and the math preparation required of teachers if students are to advance.” Bill Teuber, EMC Vice Chairman, said, “In Massachusetts, students perform well above the national average on exams, but more must be done to raise student achievement. Through the Massachusetts Mathematics Institute, elementary school teachers receive the content knowledge they need to teach math more effectively and provide students with a strong foundation to succeed in high school, college and the workforce. EMC is proud to once again sponsor this important initiative for the teachers and students of central Massachusetts.” The MMI teacher training program provides elementary school teachers with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of mathematics content and thereby improve their teaching. This year MMI has been refocused on eight elementary schools in the city of Worcester as a partnership among EMC, Worcester State College and the Worcester Public Schools. EMC and the Massachusetts Department of Education are pleased to co-sponsor this summer’s group, which is expected to include 60 educators, more than double the number participating last year. The program was held at Worcester State College in Worcester, Mass., July 31-August 10. Teachers who participated in the program received a stipend, professional-development points and optional graduate credit from Worcester State College. Teachers interested in learning more about the Massachusetts Mathematics Institute program should contact Dr. Richard Bisk at rbisk@worcester.edu or representatives at corporatecommunityinvolvement@emc.com. EMC’s Education Initiatives To encourage area students to explore scientific, engineering and information technology fields, EMC also sponsors educational partnerships and programs including a partnership with Worcester’s North High School and its Technology and Business Small Learning Community, co-ops, and internships for promising high school students. EMC also makes computer donations and supports science and engineering competitions such as FIRST Robotics and the Massachusetts State Science Fair. For further information about EMC’s math and science programs, visit www.EMC.com. ###
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