Massachusetts Mathematics Institute

This August, EMC will be sponsoring the fifth annual session of the Massachusetts Mathematics Institute (MMI), an intensive professional development program for elementary schoolteachers. EMC has hosted and supported the MMI since it was launched in 2003 as part of its continued focus on improving math and science education. The MMI is designed to give participants a deep understanding of mathematics content, set in the context of elementary school instructional practice. Mathematics specialists and professors from New England teach the intensive two-week course.

Raising students’ mathematical proficiency

The MMI is leading the effort to refine a statewide program designed to raise students' mathematics proficiency to the level of their international peers. Bill Teuber, EMC Vice Chairman, said, " Massachusetts students perform well above the national average on exams, but more must be done to raise student achievement. Through the Massachusetts Mathematics Institute, elementary school teachers receive the content knowledge they need to teach math more effectively and provide students with a strong foundation to succeed in high school, college and the workforce. EMC is proud to once again sponsor this important initiative for the teachers and students of the Commonwealth." More than 100 teachers from Worcester and the Metrowest region have completed the EMC-sponsored program since the institute’s inception.

Math and science education support extended

In 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Education matched EMC’s contribution, allowing the summer institute to double in size, with more than 60 teachers and principals participating. In addition, the Massachusetts Department of Education recently committed to expand the program in the Worcester Public Schools and extend it through the school year by providing more than $230,000 in funding. With these new funds, the MMI will offer in-class support and coaching, additional workshops and activities such as classroom visits, math days, tutoring, and a math hotline. It will also perform rigorous evaluation of student outcomes.