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“Working with MEC has brought me out of my comfort zones - taught me to look at problems in different ways. I always thought that the way I see a problem or a situation was the only way to see it. However, by working with others and not being pigeon-holed into one way of doing a problem or thinking about it, I have learned to see things differently – and that my way isn’t always the best or even the simplest. I have learned to stop pigeon-holing students and they are thinking for themselves.”  High School Teacher


“I have drastically changed my approach to mathematics in my classroom. I’ve introduce menus to kindergarteners and they are fully engaged by them. I now ask tell me what you see questions so that I can help them based on where they are in their learning.”  - Kindergarten Teacher

 
 
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Higher Education-MEC Partnerships

Higher Education-MEC Partnerships bridge the gap between K-12 and higher education. This collaboration with faculty from two- and four-year colleges and universities and MEC leaders enriches MEC’s mathematics improvement initiatives. MEC offers the Issues and Solutions seminar series for faculties from mathematical sciences and teacher education departments. Sessions are designed to facilitate ongoing discussions in pursuit of solutions to current problems facing K-20 mathematics education.

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With information provided on important issues in mathematics education, each session includes a presentation, followed by audience response and discourse. The first session in the series addresses the problem of widespread numerical illiteracy, and suggests solutions. The second addresses the myth that memorization of basic facts must precede problem solving, and presents an alternative model where reasoning and mathematical connections are central to learning as basic facts are being learned and practiced.  These seminars have been held at Western Washington University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of Washington. Follow-up K-20 Teacher-Preparation Seminars focus on enhancing K-20 mathematics teacher preparation.

Audience: Mathematicians, scientists, engineers, teacher educators, and pre-service teachers at colleges and universities