The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - University of Arkansas System

Math, Science Specialists Attend Training at Rockefeller Institute

Share

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN, Ark. (April 12, 2010) — Approximately 60 math and science specialists from area universities and the Arkansas Department of Education service cooperatives attended a two-day training April 8-9 at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain.

This training was part of the Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Coalition and equipped the math and science specialists to provide resource activities to the STEM classrooms in their respective regions.

The STEM program is a collaborative initiative designed to enrich education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout the state of Arkansas, resulting in a strengthened economy and higher paying jobs. The conference was sponsored by Accelerate Arkansas, Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, Arkansas Department of Education, and the Rockefeller Institute.

The topic of the conference was “21st Century Instructional Skills: Math and Science Integration, Problem Solving, and Technical Writing.” Dr. Robert Anderson, director of the Delta Family Resource Center at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative, conducted the workshop. He instructed the group on using resource activities with Arkansas standards for math and science curriculum.

Other guest speakers at the conference were Dr. Michael Gealt, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and Tommie Sue Anthony, president of the Arkansas Advanced Institute for Math and Sciences.

Arkansas Science and Technology Authority will offer stipends to the specialists for incorporating activities resulting from this workshop into their classrooms. To be eligible for the stipend, instructors must submit their activities into the online Science and Mathematics Accessible Resource Tool, or SMART Portal. According to AccessArkansasScience.org, the SMART Portal “assists teachers in accomplishing Arkansas Department of Education required curriculum frameworks” by providing a database of science and math lesson plans.

About Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

In 2005, the University of Arkansas System established Winthrop Rockefeller Institute with a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust. By integrating the resources and expertise of a statewide university system with the legacy and ideas of Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller, this educational institute and conference center creates an atmosphere where collaboration and change can thrive.

The Rockefeller Institute offers a variety of workshops, seminars, public lectures, conferences and special events. Program areas include agriculture and environment, arts and humanities, economic development, and policy and public affairs. To learn more, call 501-727-5435, visit the Web site at LiveTheLegacy.org, or stay connected on Twitter and Facebook.