ACCLAIM

The Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment, and Instruction in Mathematics (ACCLAIM) is an NSF-funded Center for Learning and Teaching established in September 2001.

The Center was designed to build a mathematics infrastructure in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia. It will provide a model and resources for other isolated, rural, poverty-stricken areas across the country. ACCLAIM links resources from the University of Kentucky (UK), University of Louisville (UofL), Ohio University (OU), the University of Tennessee (UT), and Marshall University (MU) with the Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) to capitalize upon the successful professional development infrastructure established by ARSI over the past five years.

The mathematics infrastructure in Appalachia will be enhanced through (a) advanced degree programs in mathematics education, (b) job-embedded teacher preparation and professional development programs, and (c) mathematics education research in a rural context. Online courses and existing distance learning networks will make these programs accessible to educators in isolated Appalachian areas, as well as other rural areas.

The two overarching goals of ACCLAIM are to: (1) build mathematics capacity and expertise in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia through advanced degree programs in mathematics education and through research that connects mathematics and rural education; and (2) improve the quality of mathematics teaching at the middle and high school levels in the Appalachian region through the development of collaborative networks and innovative delivery systems. To meet these goals, ACCLAIM will create and implement four interconnected initiatives— Capacity Building, Professional Development, Teacher Education, and Research.

For more information about ACCLAIM, click on www.acclaim-math.org