Microsoft Partners With Math Forum to Deliver Online Professional Development to Math Teachers

ATLANTA — March 19, 2007 — Microsoft Corp., in partnership with the Math Forum at Drexel University, will provide online professional development to educators to support teaching and learning mathematics with technology. The new workshop, Tools for Building Math Concepts, explores how teachers can use software tools to help third- through fifth-grade students develop fundamental math concepts by gathering data and investigating patterns. These concepts are the building blocks for success in middle school math.

“The ability to use Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is becoming a prerequisite for jobs in all industries and at all levels,” said Lisa Brummel, senior vice president of Human Resources at Microsoft. “Studies indicate that by 2010, more than 77 percent of all jobs in the United States will require some ICT ability.* As the economy continues to evolve, more and more American workers will need higher levels of technology skills training and education to compete successfully in the global economy.

“Microsoft believes that providing students with a solid math education at a young age is a key to opening the doors to exciting technology careers,” Brummel said. “Supporting students’ ability to develop strong math skills is important to Microsoft as a global citizen and employer.”

“Positive early experiences with mathematics and technology are vital because these two areas are fundamental to education today,” said Stephen Weimar, director of the Math Forum, a nonprofit research and educational organization. “Helping students enjoy and succeed in math is crucial to the long-term strength and competitiveness of our nation.”

The Microsoft-sponsored Math Forum workshop will be announced at the annual meeting of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics on March 19 in Atlanta. Teachers who complete the Tools for Building Math Concepts workshop will receive continuing education credits at no charge. Teachers can register online at http://mathforum.org/toolsandconcepts.

The workshop connects teachers with the Math Forum’s Math Tools, a digital library and teaching community of technology tools, lessons, activities and support materials. The Math Forum also hosts online programs for teachers to work collaboratively to continue their professional development throughout their careers.

“To the 100,000-plus members of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and their millions of students, the Math Forum is viewed as a leader in mathematics Internet-based resources and educational services,” said Ed Dickey, founding chair of the Editorial Panel of the Online Journal of School Mathematics, produced by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Microsoft also contributes to improving K–12 math education by funding programs such as the Microsoft® Math Partnership and developing new educational software such as Microsoft Math. Success in math has been identified as a key factor in predicting students’ ability to enter and succeed in college.

About the Math Forum

Created at Drexel University in 1992 with funding from the National Science Foundation, the Math Forum is a national leader in math education research, teacher professional development and online resources.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Related Posts