The Partnership will offer training opportunities and materials for schools to implement Family Math/Science/Literacy Nights throughout the Delta RSI service area.

The Northeast Arkansas Partnership for Mathematics and Science consists of the NEA Rural Institute for Mathematics and Science, Jannie Trautwein, director, and the NEA Delta Institute for Mathematics and Science, Dr. Sharron Oleson, director.

Together the partnership serves as the math/science professional development provider for 99 school districts -- more than 250 school sites -- in the service area of Arkansas State University. They also assist with preparing pre-service math and science teachers at ASU.

The Family Night programs are designed to increase parental participation in mathematics, science, and literacy education in the elementary grades. The programs focus on parents and children learning mathematics, science and literacy together in a non-threatening environment. Family Nights provide interactive activities rich in literacy to help children and their parents engage in meaningful mathematics and science experiences at home.

The program helps to foster an understanding that mathematics is more than arithmetic and rote computation, and that science is more than just memorizing facts. Participation in the activities develops problem-solving skills, increase families’ abilities to communicate about mathematics and science, and encourages positive attitudes toward mathematics and science as well as reading and writing.

Delta RSI is funded through the National Science Foundation and serves rural schools in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The educational initiative collaborates with universities and other agencies to implement standards-based teaching and learning in schools. Its primary mission is improving student performance in mathematics, science, and technology education.

Standards-based teaching and learning meets Arkansas accountability mandates and ensures that the Delta youth demonstrate competitive levels of knowledge and skills in mathematics, science and technology for professional and personal success. Stanley Paul is the Arkansas director and Dr. Shelton Fitzpatrick is the field coordinator for the Delta RSI.

Photo Caption:
Dr. Sharron Oleson, director of the Northeast Arkansas Delta Institute for Mathematics and Science (far right) and Jannie Trautwein, director of the NEA Rural Institute for Mathematics and Science receive a grant check from Stanley Paul, state director for Delta Rural Systematic Initiative, (far left) and Dr. Shelton Fitzpatrick, field coordinator for the Delta RSI. The grant, worth $54,300, will provide funds for the NEA Regional Partnership for Mathematics and Science at Arkansas State University to promote family awareness of mathematics, science and literacy.

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