The 2008-2010 Maryville College East Tennessee Mathematics and Science Partnership (ETnMSP) is a replication of the successful 2004-2007 East Tennessee Science Partnership (ETnSP). The ETnMSP serves 77 teachers of grades 8-10 mathematics and science and their principals in three counties: Blount, Fentress and Union and, one State Special School, York Agricultural Institute. Participating schools have various levels of NCLB priority classifications: Targeted, Priority, and School Improvement; and a high percentage of student’s eligible for free/reduced price lunches (53-72%).

The ETnMSP is focused on effective, data-driven, and sustainable mathematics and science improvements in teaching and learning. The design includes three primary components for every teacher participant:

1. Intensive, hands-on, 5-day data analysis institute during which participating teachers disaggregate their own classroom-level data in order to develop an individualized professional development plan.

2. Strategically selected and focused professional development based on teacher’s individual content needs. Teachers participate in an intensive 5-day content institute designed and delivered by Higher Education faculty based on the participant’s individualized professional development plans.

3. Coaching/mentoring for effective implementation. Participants receive ongoing (site-based and technologically-supported) content coaching by Higher Education faculty, and implementation coaching (in data analysis and pedagogy) by grant facilitators and staff.

The ETnMSP prepares Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) content faculty by providing the latest, standards-based resources and supports through professional development which includes:

• a review of the standards-based reform movement in K-12 education,
• an introduction to the new K-12 mathematics and science curriculum frameworks,
• national and state content clarification,
• assistance with K-12 standardized test data.

Communication and technology enhancements for sustainability and effective project implementation are provided, supported, and embedded in the program.