LA-SMARTER

Louisville Area Science and Mathematics Alliance for Recruitment and Teacher Education Reform (LA-SMARTER) was funded by the National Science Foundation in 2002. It brings together the University of Louisville (U of L), Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the school districts of the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) to build mathematics and science capacity in the Louisville, Kentucky area. The three-year project has focused on increases the number of qualified mathematics and science teachers, as well as developed a model, accessible teacher preparation program for persons interested in teaching mathematics or science. LA-SMARTER addressed two areas identified as primary barriers to improving student mathematics and science performance: (1) a shortage of certified mathematics and science teachers, especially those from minority populations, and (2) even among certified teachers, a limited knowledge of the mathematics and science needed to teach standards-based curricula