Improving access to science and math education in Western Pennsylvania

Seven out of every 10 American jobs are expected to be related to technologies using advanced computers and electronics, requiring workers with strong math and science skills. However, school systems in several regions in the US that have suffered economic and demographic declines are having problems maintaining and improving math and science education. We conducted a study and engendered cooperation between school districts to improve student access to math and science courses in one such region. We first examined the math and science curricula, predicted enrollment rates, forecasted teacher availability, and analyzed access characteristics for a set of school districts in Western Pennsylvania known as the Mon Valley Education Consortium. We then proposed strategies for cooperation between the school districts that included moving students to multiple centers for advanced math and science courses, moving teachers between schools, and using an area vo-tech school as a math and science center. As a result of the study a pilot project was implemented signaling the beginning of regional cooperation in the area.