In the first partnership of its kind, Spokane’s largest public educational institutions are joining forces to work toward improved student learning in math and science.
The unique partnership among Washington State University Spokane, Spokane Public Schools, Eastern Washington University, Community Colleges of Spokane, Mead School District, Central Valley School District and Educational Service District 101 has the goal of helping all students become proficient in math and science, and to help more students enter college with the foundation needed to work toward careers in math, science, engineering and health sciences.
“We’ve had no formal place where the CEOs of these institutions can meet on a regular basis, where our staffs can work together on shared interests,” said Spokane Public Schools Superintendent Brian Benzel. “This partnership will provide that forum and help more than 47,000 students from the three largest districts in the area.”
The official signing of the partnership agreement will be tonight, Feb. 5, at 5:30 p.m. at Washington State University’s Academic Center, 600 N. Riverpoint Blvd. The chancellor, superintendent or president of each institution will sign the partnership agreement, and board members of each institution will be present.
“We know the world is flat for talent. Our students and employers compete with the best and brightest around the globe,” said Brian Pitcher, chancellor of WSU Spokane. “It is essential that our education system, early learning through college, work together implementing latest research on effective teaching and learning, and that as parents, teachers, administrators, and policy makers we make student success in math and science a top priority for this community.”
Ron Dalla, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs for EWU, said, “We’re formalizing what we’ve been working on for the last five years. And starting this initiative will give our work more exposure.”
The Partnership Council will be comprised of the university and community college chancellors and school district superintendents, the designated academic officer for each institution, and at least one math and one science educator from each institution.
Other specific goals of the partnership include
Engaging the larger Spokane community in the development of a shared understanding of high quality math and science education for all students
Developing a certification or endorsement program for K-12 math and science instructional coaches to support school district initiatives in math and science.
Incorporating best practices in science and math education into district programs.
Developing enrichment opportunities such as after-school and summer math/science camps
Aligning district math and science coursework, community college coursework, and university coursework.
Increasing the number of highly qualified math and science teachers for K-12 schools in the region.
For more information, contact Barb Chamberlain at WSU: 358.7527 or chamberlain@wsu.edu or Terren Roloff at Spokane Public Schools: 354.7338 or terrenr@spokaneschools.org.
