Eric.ed.gov – Strategies for Improving Math and Science Achievement in Rural Appalachia.

This paper overviews strategies employed by the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) to implement systemic reform in math, science, and technology education in rural Appalachia. ARSI is one of four Rural Systemic Initiative projects funded by the National Science Foundation to target regions characterized by low population density and high levels of poverty. The initiative targeted 66 counties encompassing 89 school districts in Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. The ARSI project is based on two fundamental strategies: school and community-based action and technology as a tool for access. Specifically, the initiative involved the creation of six regional resource collaboratives made up of key organizations such as universities and community colleges, business and industry, federal and state agencies, teacher enhancement projects, exemplary schools, and community development organizations. The collaboratives allow educators and communities to access curricular and instructional resources, technical assistance, professional development, and other services through technology. Other strategies involved helping counties locate funds to establish the necessary infrastructure for technology use; providing funds for designated teacher-partners to learn standards-based instructional techniques and for school-based professional development opportunities; assisting designated schools in establishing a community engagement team to develop and implement an action plan for improving student achievement; and providing direction and support to catalyst schools that serve as a springboard for the reform process. This report addresses issues related to project implementation and contains references, suggested readings, and Web sites for rural educators. (LP)