What We Do
Personalized School and District Support
RUSMP evaluates the effectiveness of mathematics programs, makes recommendations for improvement, and provides targeted professional development, school-based support, coaching, and mentoring to improve student achievement.
RUSMP has developed a comprehensive evaluation protocol to help schools evaluate the effectiveness of their mathematics programs, by examining both the quality of the program and the quality of its implementation. RUSMP conducts interviews with school administrators and department faculty, both collectively and individually, to discuss the goals of the program, the perceived strengths and weaknesses, the available resources, and the challenges faced. RUSMP staff also observes the mathematics program in action, both in the classrooms and in department meetings. From the extensive data gathered, the school then receives a report of findings, an assessment of the quality of the mathematics program, and recommendations for improvement.
RUSMP offers its intensive four-week professional development program each June for teachers from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Teachers gain content and pedagogical knowledge that have been shown to improve instruction and student achievement.
RUSMP Urban Programs
Urban Programs are school-based summer school programs with academic-year support. RUSMP Support Teachers interact with mathematics teachers and their students to ensure that adequate time, attention, and support are invested to make teaching and learning meet the needs of all students in the school. Urban Programs foster substantive change in mathematical content, practices, and strategies that continues long after RUSMP's intervention.
Academic-Year Courses for Teachers and Teacher Leaders
RUSMP offers professional development courses during the fall and spring semesters. Many of these courses provide Gifted and Talented and university graduate credit. A sample of the courses offered include Developing the Measurement Strand, Developing the Numeration Strand, Exploring Mathematics through the Visual Arts and Children’s Literature, Topics in Algebra, Topics in Geometry, Topics in Data Analysis, Probability, and Statistics, Advanced Topics in Mathematics, and Calculus for High School Mathematics Teachers. Other courses are developed based upon the needs of partner schools or school districts.
Institute for Mathematics Leaders
RUSMP’s newest program is designed for K-12 mathematics leaders. This four-day institute offered each June addresses important topics for school principals, coaches, teacher leaders, mathematics specialists, staff developers, mathematics department chairs, and other school or district administrators. Facilitated by leading mathematics educators, participants develop techniques and skills necessary to support improved mathematics instruction at their campuses and in their districts.