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Worcester State College Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester State College To Host Singapore Math Institute

(Worcester, MA – June 11, 2007) Approximately 20 school teachers, including some from as far away as Texas and Arizona, will attend the Worcester State College Singapore Mathematics Summer Content Institute, June 25-29, 2007. The institute will strengthen participants’ skills as mathematics instructors by helping them develop a better understanding of the concepts they teach through the use of the highly successful Singapore Math primary textbooks.

Students in Singapore have the highest mathematics scores worldwide at the 4^th and 8^th grade levels in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). According the WSC Mathematics Professor and Department Chair Richard Bisk, “Part of the reason for their success is the approach taken in their elementary math textbooks, which emphasizes developing a strong understanding of the Number and Operations Strand.”

The Number and Operations Strand forms the basis for most K-12 mathematics, he explained. Another strength of Singapore Math, Dr. Bisk said, is that it “teaches problem solving using the model drawing process, which helps students develop a visual bridge to algebra.”

He added that the curriculum is consistent with the new National Council of Teachers of Mathematics focal points.

Participants will receive the Parker/Balderidge textbook Elementary Math for Teachers and copies of the 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A Singapore student texts. This will enable participants to look at topics from both a teacher and student perspective.

Dr. Bisk, who will conduct the course, has worked extensively with K-12 teachers and their students over the past fifteen years. He has provided professional development using the Singapore Math materials since 2000 and has given presentations at national and international conferences on this work.

A graduate credit option is available for participants who choose to attend additional sessions and meet specific requirements. More information about the institute can be found on Dr. Bisk’s website: wwwfac.worcester.edu/smip/.

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