The Ozark Rural Systemic
Initiative for Mathematics, Technology and Science Reform is funded
by the National Science Foundation through the Southwest Center for
Educational Excellence in Webb City, Missouri. There are currently
ten school districts, comprised of thirty-one individual schools,
being served. The ten districts are Bronaugh, Cassville, Crane, El
Dorado Springs, Galena, Humansville, McDonald County, Miller,
Stockton, and Westview.
ORSI began in September of 2000 with
funding from a National Science Foundation Development award, an
Eisenhower grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education and an Eisenhower grant from the Coordinating
Board of Higher Education. Approximately 22 school districts began
the math/science reform project.
In April 2002 ORSI received an award for the five-year reform
project targeting 10 eligible school districts. Other districts in
the Southwest Center Consortium participate on a limited basis. The
National Science Foundation began funding of the Rural Systemic
Initiative Projects in 1994. The Ozarks project is a part of the
final Cohort of these initiatives.
Goals of
ORSI
Improve student
achievement on state and national measures through high quality
science, mathematics, and technology teaching and learning for ALL
students.
Build capacity for
reform through optimal school infrastructure, leadership, and
parent and community involvement.
Create sustainable
partnerships with high capacity stakeholders and linked to economic
development to assure continuation of reform.
The National Science Foundation
has identified six elements that drive reform.
These elements will also drive the
ORSI reform efforts:Implementation of comprehensive,
standards-based curricula including student assessment.
Development of a coherent,
consistent set of policies that support high quality mathematics
and science education for each student.
Convergence of the usage of all
resources designed to support science and mathematics education in
a focused and unitary program to constantly upgrade, renew, and
improve the educational program for all students.
Broad-based support from
parents, policymakers, institutions foundations, and other segments
of the community.
Accumulation of a broad and deep
array of evidence that the program is enhancing student
achievement, through a set of indices that might include
achievement test scores, higher level courses passed, college
admission rates, college majors, Advanced Placements Tests taken,
portfolio assessment.
Improved in the achievement of
all students, including those historically underserved.
