Minnesota Presidential Award Finalists - 2011
Congratulations to the Minnesota Finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.   Their applications were evaluated by committees of Minnesota educators.  They will be judged by a national panel to select the state Awardees, one each in science and mathematics, who will receive $10,000, an award ceremony in the White House and leadership opportunities.

Mathematics

Meredith Boucher, North Jr. High, Saint Cloud

Donna Forbes, Mahtomedi High School, Mahtomedi

Andrew Schwen, Roosevelt Middle School, Blaine

Science

Nancy Berg, East Ridge High School, Woodbury

Chelen Johnson, Breck School, Minneapolis

Jamin McKenzie, Battle Creek Middle School, St. Paul

Please nominate an outstanding science or mathematics teacher in grades K-6 for the 2012 award. Visit www.paemst.org for more information.

Teacher Resource Network
The Teacher Resource Network (TRN) is a research collaboration of Minnesota higher education faculty in the math and science education fields. The Network was established in 1998 for the purpose of conducting a five year study of new K-12 science and math teachers in their first three years of teaching. The study, Getting to the Fourth Year, addressed a concern among teacher educators about the high percentage of beginning science and math teachers dropping out of teaching during their first three years of teaching. By examining the context in which are beginning teachers teach math and science, perhaps some insights may be gained as what factors might be causing this high drop out rate. The study was funded by SciMathMN and the Minnesota Department of Education. The study's instruments, protocols, and findings can be found here.

Why is Algebra I Important in Grade 8?
What studies support the learning of algebra in grade 8? Why is this more than merely passing the Algebra I textbook from high school down to the middle school? Click here.

Evolution is Essential Science
SciMathMN has long advocated that evolution is a critical piece of scientific knowledge. A variety of resources are available to help educators. Click here.

Science Matters
Science Matters, a free 24-page booklet sponsored by the Medtronic Foundation, was designed as a tool for parents and educators to help K-6 students unlock the world of science and discovery at home and school. Learn more about the publication and where to pick up a free copy or download an electronic version today.

Help Determine State Assessment
Items and Scoring
Educators from around the state are always needed at several stages in the development and review of MCA test items and to validate the rubrics and anchor papers used in scoring constructed response items. Sign up on the MDE website to be part of an Advisory Panel.