| Q: What is the Math, Science & Technology Partnership?
A: The Math, Science & Technology Partnership is a public-private partnership that can be characterized as system-focused,
business-supported, results-driven and grounded in a deep understanding of mathematics, science and technology and how
they should be taught.
Q. What schools are involved?
A: The Sandia Cluster was the first APS Cluster School selected in August 2001 to establish a pilot or model initiative. The Sandia
Cluster includes five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The West Mesa Cluster joined the Partnership
in 2002 and includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school. The Partnership's Five-Year Plan calls
for adding clusters progressively over this timeframe so that successes as well as lessons learned can be shared.
Q: How were the schools selected?
A: This initiative was developed to encourage several of the APS clusters to submit
proposals describing how each would address the issues related to improving math, science and technology education.
In early 2001, four clusters provided proposals to the Partnership: Highland, La Cueva, Sandia and West Mesa.
A Selection Evaluation Team was established to review and rank proposals based on a pre-determined set of criteria. The result
of this team effort was the selection of the Sandia Cluster. West Mesa Cluster joined the Partnership in 2002 and the Highland
Cluster is in line to join in the near future.
Q: Where does the money come from?
A: The Partnership has received significant support and leadership from the New Mexico Congressional delegation, both locally
and in Washington, D.C., including Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman, as well as Congresswoman Heather Wilson, all
of whom are strong advocates of education. Their support contributed to the Partnership's receipt of substantial Department of
Education grant funds needed to establish a pilot initiative.
Additional contributions of leadership and funding have come from
local businesses and corporations. In particular, Lockheed Martin Corporation, the management contractor at Sandia National
Laboratories, provided a substantial financial contribution to help establish a pilot initiative. Many of their staff participated in planning, committee work and collaborating with the APS administrators and teachers to identify and help resolve issues that contribute to
the gaps in math, science and technology education achievement.
Local businesses have contributed the time of valuable
executives and staff to lead and develop the work associated with the partnership. These businesses include the contribution of
the President and CEO of the Bank of Albuquerque, the founding partner of the architectural firm of Dekker, Perich and Sabatini,
and the President of Innovative Technology Partnerships, LLC.
The Albuquerque Public Schools also contributes staff time and resources to the
Partnership and provides a high-level administrator to serve as Co-Chair of the MSTP organization. Other administrators (such
as the District Coordinator for Science) participate with the Partnership and work with committees and school clusters in support
of the MSTP initiatives and projects.
Finally, the Department of Energy provides in-kind support with the contribution of a loaned executive
to work with the Partnership and APS in the spirit of collaboration. The Department has several volunteers from their Community
Relations staff who participate with the Partnership and various committees.
Q: Where does the money go?
A: MSTP expenditures are tied to performance goals and objectives. The Partnership has developed its five-year strategic plan in collaboration with the school clusters and thus supports the strategic direction of the APS District. In this way, each cluster's MST Partnership goals and
activities are incorporated into their own individual school's plans that support the districts' strategic direction.
Based on a cluster's Action Plan, funds are requested from the partnership to support those goals and activities. Past expenditures have included full installation of the innovative K-5 science computer labs at both Bellehaven, Osuna and Carlos Rey Elementary Schools.
Q: How can my school join?
A: Additional high school clusters will be included over time to share successes, improve on the model, and develop cluster-specific
activities to meet their own needs in the overall effort of improving math, science and technology education. Contact: Jim Walther, Communications Task Force Lead, 245-2136, ext. 104.
Q: What are the Partnerships next steps and how can I help?
Additional next steps for the Partnership include integration and collaboration of task force and cluster work, including collaborative
meetings, issue discussion and resolution, decision-making processes, and development of new resources. Integration of lessons
learned and methods for success is a very important aspect to the success of the MSTP. Therefore, tracking and documentation are necessary disciplines that must be established and followed closely.
Still have a question about the Math, Science & Technolopgy Partnerhsip? Let us hear from you. Email Jim Walther, Communications Task
Force Lead or phone him at 245-2136, ext. 104. |
