Madison City Schools implement AMSTI

By Staff
Tracy L. Brady
Record Reporter
The Madison City School Board had to dust off its thinking caps when Liberty Middle School math teachers challenged them to an interactive math lesson.
The group of seventh through ninth grade math teachers demonstrated what they had learned and have begun to implement in the classroom in conjunction with the new Alabama Math Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI).
Teachers completed two weeks of AMSTI training at The University of Alabama in Huntsville this summer before initiating the interactive program. Through AMSTI, students will incorporate math, science, technology, reading and writing to cross-curriculum problems. Group work, hands-on activities, abstract thinking, experiments and verbal and written communication is incorporated into each lesson.
The board's lesson was "Stretching and Shrinking." The activity was broken down into three parts and involved reasoning and rubber bands.
"I am pleased to see people fired up about mathematics," Board President Don Spencer said. "Go forth and make mathematicians."
After the presentation, the board approved the purchase of AMSTI textbooks and resource materials for use at Liberty and Discovery middle schools in algebra prep classes. The 18-week course is an elective used to address weaknesses in math before students proceed to the first installment of algebra.
In other business at the school board meeting:
* The board approved a field-based learning seminar for middle and high school teachers.
* Rep. Sue Schmitz presented resolutions recognizing Liberty Middle School and Bob Jones High School as Blue Ribbon schools. Schmitz also presented the family of the late Col. Edward Zompa with a resolution in recognition of his service to the nation and the Madison community.
* Spencer presented Superintendent Dr. Henry Clark with a plaque recognizing him as Outstanding Superintendent of the Year.