Strategic Alliance Between Higher Education, Secondary Schools, And Community Business/Industry To Improve Mathematics, Science, Technology, And English Education: A National Science Foundation Project

Northern Illinois University (NIU), Rock Valley College (RVC), and the Rockford [Illinois] Public Schools (RPS), as well as (a) Peer Master Teacher Leader(s) from Grayslake High School [IL] partnered to improve student achievement in secondary mathematics, sciences, technology, and English education. However, the models, strategies, and processes culminating in Rockford evolved over several major projects with other regional districts, or multiple districts, spanning approximately 12 years. The Rockford initiative involved past strategies, but also resulted in extended and expanded models and strategies. Districts that have participated in our programs have been urban, suburban, and rural, large and/or small. All models, strategies, program information, and pilot results will be available between March and June, 2004, in hardcopy from the American Association of Higher Education or at the website nsf.niu.edu. This site will also link to the Rockford site for more in depth information about the integrated curriculum modules. All goals, strategies, philosophies, models, processes, techniques, and procedures are fully documented with complete descriptions. All products and results are also fully described, with samples available. It is intended that this will encourage and aid others in replication or adaptation of aspects of this endeavor. This initiative was funded by the National Science Foundation, the Illinois State Board of Education, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, with local RPS, RVC, and NIU matches. This collaborative venture is better described as a "center" in the complexity, number, and type of concurrent activities, products, and results.