RADFORD -- The National Science Foundation has awarded Radford University’s Math Education program $119,667 for a public interest project to enhance curriculum development and support educational research.

The grant monies will be used for the following:

• Curriculum development centered on “Mathematics Education in the Public Interest” or MEPI;
• Course development for “Mathematics for Social Analysis,” a new program designed for preservice elementary school teachers and recommended for preservice middle school teachers;
• Collaboration with a local community-based organization to structure service learning opportunities for the preservice teachers;
• Conducting research to study preservice teachers’ experiences and learning in Mathematics for Social Analysis;
• Analyzing ways to expand the program and research efforts in later years;
• And developing an online activities and resource center for math education programs. Activities and resources will focus primarily on mathematical and interdisciplinary applications of current local and global issues and problems.

The award, which goes into effect January 1, 2009 and expires December 31, 2010, is under the direction of Mathematics and Statistics assistant professor Laura Spielman and instructor Jean Mistele.

Spielman said, “We are excited to receive NSF funding for the MEPI project. We are eager to strengthen and grow our efforts to create learning opportunities that combine rigorous mathematical problem solving with meaningful connections to our communities and our world. We have an edited book in progress, ‘Mathematics Teacher Education in the Public Interest,’ with a host of prominent mathematics education researchers across the country whose work also centers on equity and social justice.”