CONTACT: Mark Dalessandro, Eberly College Communications304-293-4611
New WVU institute to tackle nation's declining math literacy
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- While the great concern of educators was once why Johnny couldn't read, much concern is now given to why Johnny can't perform square roots and other basic mathematical tasks necessary for careers in science, engineering and technology fields.
To address this critical national issue, West Virginia University's Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and the Provost's Office announced today (Jan. 29) the creation of an Institute for Math Learning. The institute's overall mission is to provide innovation and leadership for the state and nation in math education, said M. Duane Nellis, dean of the Eberly College.
"During the past few years, we have become increasingly aware that U.S. high school students are not competing successfully with other students worldwide in mathematics and other areas of science," Nellis said. "We believe it is critical to the success of our students -- as well as for the future of our state and nation -- to take a leading role in seeking answers to why U.S. students are behind in their math skills and to develop innovative methods to improve math instruction and learning at the university level."
Several recent studies indicate that U.S. elementary school students test near the top when compared with others in understanding basic math concepts, but achievement in the subject slips during middle school years. By high school graduation, U.S. students rank near the bottom in math skills when compared with students throughout the world. The issue has sparked concern among National Science Foundation officials like Jim Lightbourne, who was on hand for the announcement, as well as members of the U.S. Congress and the Federal Reserve.
"Establishing the Institute for Math Learning is further evidence of the high priorityWVU gives to educating its students," Lightbourne said. "In addition to serving its students, the WVU institute positions the Department of Mathematics to provide national leadership in improving student learning in the mathematics arena."
Provost Gerald Lang said the new institute will be administered by the Department of Mathematics, to which his office has allocated a $100,000 grant to develop a strategic plan and committed an additional $500,000 for renovation of space and the purchase of about 150 computers. Eberly College will also conduct a national search for a director. Currently, Professor Michael E. Mays is serving as interim director, and two current faculty members will be assigned to the institute. Additional faculty will be hired later this year.
"This institute is an excellent example of WVU's commitment to helping our students learn and understand the principles and concepts of mathematics, which potentially will expand their options for choosing majors while in college and their careers and earning potentials after graduation," Lang noted.
The institute will be charged with: significantly enhancing student performance in mathematics by studying learning styles and developing appropriate curriculum options and instructional techniques; developing initiatives with K-12 school teachers; seeking grants to support the work of the institute; and encouraging a commitment to making WVU a leader in developing innovative and effective learning models for mathematics.
Faculty in the institute will research, design and implement teaching strategies and provide oversight of instruction for all math courses below calculus and will advise the department on the use of technology in instruction. Eventually, the mission of the institute will include the four-course calculus sequence. Institute faculty will also train and oversee the work of all graduate teaching assistants in mathematics and will oversee and train students who provide math tutoring services.
"I am excited about the possibilities this opens up," said Professor Sherman Riemenschneider, chair of mathematics. "Math is more useful than ever, and to be able to work with it is very important. Math might not be very visible, but its influence is very abundant in today's world."
WVU President David C. Hardesty applauded the initiative and called it a "unique pioneering effort for the state" and one of only a few such centers at colleges and universities nationwide.
He noted that increasing math and science skills in young people will help meet the needs of today's -- and tomorrow's -- technologically advanced labor market.
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