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K-State Today

May 29, 2013

Rumsey receives math, science grant from Kansas State Department of Education

Submitted by Patrice Scott

Chepina Rumsey

A College of Education researcher received a three-year, $450,000 mathematics and science partnership grant from the Kansas State Department of Education.

Chepina Rumsey, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, is the principal investigator of a grant titled "Improving Mathematics Instruction through Lesson Study," called Project MILeS.

Co-principal investigators are: Jonathan Brown, postdoctoral fellow in the department of mathematics; David Allen, associate professor of curriculum and instruction; Andrew Bennett, professor of mathematics ; and Sherri Martini, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction.

"The purpose of this professional development project is to deepen the mathematical content and pedagogical knowledge of elementary school teachers in order to impact student learning," Rumsey said. "We also want to build on the Professional Development Schools partnership between elementary teachers and Kansas State University faculty by strengthening the network of support for classroom teachers who are implementing Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, or CCSS-M."

Rumsey said that by collaborating with content experts and mathematics educators at K-State, elementary teachers will have an opportunity to focus on authentic mathematics, mathematical argumentation, and the core standards in a supportive learning community.

The project includes a two-week summer academy on campus focusing on the specific mathematical content interests of the teachers and teaching methods. Follow-up activities will occur throughout the school year to reinforce material covered during the summer session and to offer the teachers ongoing support and professional development.