Reform in Mathematics and Science Education

The Detroit Public Schools (DPS) proposes to advance significantly the science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education of all K-12 students through the Detroit Urban Systemic Program (DUSP). The DUSP accomplishes this task by building on the existing infrastructure developed by the reform effort that began in 1991 and was catalyzed by the Urban Systemic Initiative, beginning 1994-present. The foundational tenets include a strong K-12 leadership team, a standards-based curriculum for science and mathematics based on the Michigan Core Curriculum Frameworks that are directly linked to the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP). The core structure is also characterized by a state-driven school accreditation plan coupled with high-stakes accountability measures for districts and schools, and a resolution that requires SMT teaching for grades K-12. The infrastructure also features converged fiscal and intellectual resources, and significant external support for the implemented curriculum from multiple institutions of higher education (IHE), business partners and the at-large community.

Goals

The DUSP goals parallel those of the USP that seeks:

1. To improve the urban school district's implementation of a standards-based curriculum.
2. To increase the competency and diversity of the science and mathematics instructional workforce.
3. To promote collaborations with colleges and universities relative to teacher education.
4. To increase the number of skilled entrants into the technology-based workforce.
5. To employ research as an effective tool in improving the teaching and learning of science and mathematics.

The existence of an established infrastructure is validated by Four Cornerstone Initiatives and implementation of the standards-based curriculum based on student-centered concepts. An array of instructional materials supports the implemented curricula that are reviewed, adopted, and adapted for classroom use on an annual basis. The implemented curriculum features embedded technology, integration of disciplines, community links, problem-based instruction, and writing across the disciplines.

Key components of the implementation plan include scaling up the institutionalization of the K-12 standards-based curriculum, research on practice, improvement in the quality of the science and mathematics instructional workforce, and collaborations with IHEs to improve teacher preparation.

The initiative will affect over 178,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12, including students with special needs. Wayne State University will evaluate DUSP throughout the five-year initiative.

For Further Information
Please Contact
Juanita Clay Chambers, Ed.D.
Associate Superintendent
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Detroit Public Schools
5057 Woodward
Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (313) 494-1092
Fax: (313) 494-7887