Grant
helps teachers take new approach to geometry
By John Vandiver Daily Times Staff Writer
SALISBURY -- More than
2,000 years after the Greek philosopher Euclid authored "The
Elements," a mathematics masterpiece, little has changed in how
geometry is taught to students.
But Rosemary Heher said
Thursday that she expects that to change in Worcester County public
schools, where a $200,000 federal grant will be used to train teachers to
use technology to transform how geometry is presented in the classroom.
"We want students
to see geometry as the most exciting math course they can take," said
Heher, coordinator of mathematics instruction for the Worcester County
Board of Education.
The two-year grant will
fund a collaboration between Worcester schools and Salisbury University,
creating two summer math centers.
SU math and education
professors will work with Worcester middle and high school teachers to
expand their understanding of the subject and provide access to the latest
materials and technologies.
Heher said she expects
the program to translate into higher test scores for students.
Under President Bush's
No Child Left Behind Act, students must reach proficient standards in
reading and math by 2014. Maryland high school students must demonstrate
proficiency on assessment tests in geometry for their schools to satisfy
part of the law's mandate.
The $200,000 grant was
the second-highest awarded in Maryland. Worcester County was the only
Eastern Shore school district to receive a Title II, Part B Mathematics and
Science Partnerships Program Subgrant, according to district officials.
Organizers expect 30
teachers and five SU professors to participate in the two-year summer
program.
Kathleen Shannon,
chairwoman of SU's mathematics and computer science department, said the
collaborative effort will provide Worcester's teachers -- and eventually
their students -- with a better understanding of geometry.
"This department
is trying to improve the quality of mathematics education on the Shore.
This is just one more opportunity to do that," she said.
