About the Math & Science Collaborative

The Math & Science Collaborative is comprised of representatives of school districts, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics and science.  Originally established with foundation support within the Carnegie Museums in 1994, the Collaborative moved to the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in September 2002.

Two major beliefs led to the formation of the Collaborative:

• A mathematically and scientifically literate population is essential to the social and economic success of southwestern Pennsylvania. The region must do a better job to align math and science instruction with the "best practices" described in research findings and the nationally-developed Standards to make sure that all students have the necessary skills and opportunities.
• By working together, more will be achieved. Most schools and teachers face similar challenges in delivering quality math and science education, but often do so in isolation of one another. Also, there are a number of programs and projects (a 1994 study by the Allegheny Policy Council found approximately 50) operating outside of schools to enhance math and science for students and teachers. By bringing educators and other stakeholders together to work collaboratively on common issues, duplication can be avoided and impact maximize.

Read the Mission, Vision, and Beliefs statement of the Math & Science Collaborative.

Membership

Initially, the Math & Science Collaborative focused only on public schools in the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.  It now reaches out to include more than 138 public and non-public schools/districts in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Green, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. 

View list of participating school districts. 

There is no charge or formal process for "joining" the Collaborative; it is led by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and supported by federal and state grants and numerous local foundations.

View a list of MSC supporters. 

School District Point Persons

In reaching out to educators, the Collaborative invites appointments of a "vertical slice" of representation from school districts, realizing that change can't happen in schools without the involvement of all levels of administrators and teachers.  Today, more than 800 educators have been appointed by their districts to represent their colleagues in the Collaborative communications network.  In addition, every school district has one "point person" who serves as a liaison between the Collaborative and the rest of the district.

Print the MSC Point Person Appointment Form. 

Initiatives

Curriculum Audits

An audit can 1) determine the extent to which the mathematics curriculum is planned, written, taught and assessed on a K-12 level, 2) determine the linkage to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards and Assessment Anchors for Mathematics, 3) measure the completeness and quality of the written curriculum, and 4) create a boilerplate for a district curriculum review process.  The audit involves interviews and discussions with teachers and administrators and review of all written K-12 curriculum documents and tools for instruction.  The school district receives a formal written report.  The audited district may also request assisstance with curriculum writing, which is the process of planning revisions to the district curriculum to conform to standards and address concerns identified during the curriculum audit.

MSC Steering Council

The Steering Council guides the Collaborative.  Newly elected or appointed every fall, Steering Council members represent the broad range of stakeholders in our region-educators, universities, corporations, and many more. 

Representatives with these varied perspectives work together to set the direction for the Collaborative.  We applaud the 2008-2009 Steering Council for their contributions, and look forward to working with the 2009-2010 members!

Members of the 2009-2010 Steering Council 

The meeting dates for the 2009-2010 Steering Council are October 21, 2009 and January 21, 2010 at the AIU, and May 13, 2010 at the Carnegie Science Center.