Local GEAR UP schools participate in Texas Instruments MathForward training to increase student achievement in math
January 30, 2012
Office of Communications and Marketing

WILBURTON, OK (Jan. 30, 2012) – Fifty local math teachers recently participated in a two-day, in-depth training workshop hosted by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP for Success grant program in an effort to increase student achievement.

The teachers learned how to incorporate TI MathForwardTM, a math acceleration program by Texas Instruments, into their classrooms. This program is designed to increase math performance across all student populations and current achievement levels by combining improved instructional practices with proven technology, enhanced curricular content and continuous formative assessment.

The TI MathForward program utilizes a systematic approach based on eight primary research-based components, including a combination of professional development, curriculum enhancement and technology, to engage students and help teachers assess understanding and promote learning.

“Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP for Success grant is making a significant commitment to Oklahoma’s future by bringing TI MathForward to two dozen rural schools,” said Steven Bailey, director of new business development for TI’s Education Technology business. “The TI MathForward program creates a classroom environment where teachers use technology to enable all students to become actively engaged while achieving a deeper understanding of math.” 

Representatives from Texas Instruments led the workshops, which took place at Eastern’s McAlester and Wilburton campuses. The workshops were offered to GEAR UP partner schools for use in their sixth and seventh grade classrooms. Math teachers from Antlers, Atoka, Bokoshe, Buffalo Valley, Canadian, Clayton, Crowder, Haileyville, Indianola, Keota, LeFlore, McCurtain, Moyers, McAlester,  Panama, Pittsburg, Quinton, Rattan, Red Oak, Savanna, Stringtown, Talihina, Tannehill and Whitesboro participated.

The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal initiative to increase the number of low-income students who enter and successfully transition into postsecondary education. Eastern will receive more than $12.6 million over the next seven years to help students in 30 partner schools.

Local math teachers recently participated in a two-day, in-depth training workshop hosted by Eastern Oklahoma State College’s GEAR UP for Success grant program. The teachers learned how to incorporate Texas Instruments’ MathForwardTM curriculum and technology in their classrooms to increase student achievement.

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