November 15-16, 2001

 

ITEM 113-2005-R1101��������������� Authorization to Establish a National Science Foundation Center for Learning and Teaching in the West; Montana State University-Bozeman and The University of Montana-Missoula

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THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman and The University of Montana-Missoula to establish a National Science Foundation (NSF) Center for Learning and Teaching in the West.

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EXPLANATION:����������������������� There is a nation-wide shortage of qualified science and mathematics educators at every level from the middle and high schools to the community colleges and universities.� School districts in the West and the nation have difficulty hiring and retaining science and mathematics teachers, and as a result positions remain vacant or are filled by individuals trained in other fields.� In higher education, there is a shortage of faculty trained to prepare future science and mathematics teachers, and to work with inservice teachers.� The goals of the Center for Learning and Teaching in the West (CLT West) include:�

 

(1)���� increasing the number of qualified doctoral and post-doctoral level professionals with expertise in science and mathematics education;

(2) ��� increasing the number and quality of new teachers graduating with certification in these fields;

(3) ��� providing professional development to science and mathematics teachers in low-income and high minority schools in both inner cities and rural schools in the West;

(4)���� investigating how distance learning can improve graduate education programs; and

(5) ��� enhancing the research infrastructure.� Increasing science, mathematics and education faculty participation in research on teaching and learning is a central objective for this center.� CLT West is a regional center serving the national science and mathematics education community.� Other higher education partners working with MSU-Bozeman and The University of Montana-Missoula include Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado, Portland State University and Fort Belknap Community College.

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������������������ ���������������������������� The National Science Foundation recently awarded Montana State University-Bozeman, The University of Montana-Missoula and the partner campuses a five year grant to establish and support the Center.� Funding began October 1, 2001.� No other funding will be required for Center operations.