Staff report

the SELMA times-journal

Wallace Community College Selma is receiving $1 million from the Alabama State Department of Education for establishing an Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) site, in partnership with the Central Alabama Regional Inservice Center at Alabama State University.

The school systems that are served by the Central Alabama Regional Inservice Center include Selma City Schools, Autauga, Dallas, Lowndes, Perry and Wilcox County Schools.

Wallace Community College Selma is one of four new AMSTI sites created in the recent awards from the state, joining Troy University, The University of Alabama, University of Montevallo and Jacksonville State.

Wallace and ASU will develop a pilot project for developing lead AMSTI teachers.

AMSTI is a state-wide initiative designed to improve K-12 math and science teaching. It provides professional development for instructors through summer institutes, educator study groups, and on-site support for reinforcing educator skills in inquiry-based learning.

In addition, equipment and hands-on materials for both educators and xxxxxxxxxxxstudents are provided for various units of study in math and science.

Dr. James M. Mitchell, WCCS President says, &8220;I am excited that this institution will serve as a strategic link in helping schools and educators in the Black Belt. AMSTI

will be a valuable resource for instruction and professional development and I look forward to working with Alabama State University and its faculty in this significant endeavor.&8221; Dr. Evelyn Hodge, Director of the Central Alabama Regional Inservice Center at Alabama State University, will be responsible for coordinating the required educator training to support AMSTI professional development. At least 50 ASU faculty at the School of Education will be involved, and 23 science, technology and engineering faculty from both Wallace and ASU will participate in the AMSTI project.