|
DESCRIPTION
CIMS is a non-profit organization of about 44 volunteers from business and industry, the Federal government (NASA), the Florida State legislature, the Florida Department of Education, the Community College Board, and school districts. CIMS was formed in 1998, as a result of the encouragement of NASA and the National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC). CIMS is incorporated under Tax Code section 501(c)(3) and is a member of the National Alliance of Science and Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC). CIMS chair Dr. Gerry Meisels was reelected to the NASSMC Board for a third three-year term in July 2006.
CIMS LEADERS & MEMBERSHIP LIST
VISION
CIMS seeks to increase mathematical, scientific and technological literacy of all Floridians and to improve the academic preparation and education of students and teachers in order to develop a workforce that is prepared for the increasingly complex technological requirements of the 21st Century.
STRATEGIES
CIMS pursues its vision by identifying specific opportunities to strengthen standards-based, accountability-driven Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE) at all levels of schooling; and by developing action recommendations that take systemic, statewide approaches to secure support, commitment, and resources from all sectors as appropriate.
ACTION PRIORITIES
CIMS established the first three principal priorities in 1998. In January 2000, it expanded the list as a result of the statewide summit, "Forging Florida's Future in a High-Tech World."
-
Promoting increasing student performance, teacher motivation, and accountability through statewide, standards- and census-based, comprehensive assessment in Science;
-
Enhancing teachers' knowledge and process skills in mathematics and science, especially at the elementary and middle school levels, through a state-funded professional development program;
-
Increasing involvement of colleges and universities in education reform, including improving teacher education programs (especially in content preparation) and participation of faculty in the science disciplines and mathematics;
-
Supporting efforts for the recruitment, induction, and retention of high quality teachers in Mathematics and Science at the middle and high school levels; and
-
Improving preparation of out-of-field and career-change teachers to strengthen performance, emphasizing content knowledge and subject-specific pedagogical skills.
MISSION
CIMS is the only state-level coalition of business, education, and policy leaders that is committed to the long-term, continuous improvement of the state's system of mathematics, science, and technology education from kindergarten through college.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
With support of the National Alliance of State Science & Mathematics Coalitions and the Aerospace States Association, CIMS conducted surveys of elementary level teacher perceptions of the effect of state policies on mathematics, science, and technology education in Florida. CIMS was a major player in the design and legislative funding of a statewide professional development program funded at $2,500,000 for 2001.
CIMS holds periodic statewide meetings of stakeholders in mathematics and science education. With the support of the American Chemical Society, the National Science Teachers Association, and NASSMC it arranged briefings for legislators and their staff prior to the beginning of the 2001 and 2002 legislative sessions. CIMS continues to work with Florida legislators in behalf of passage of legislation that continues and increases funding for a statewide program of teacher professional development in science, mathematics, and technology.
CIMS has held two statewide meetings to identify the current status of education in Mathematics and Science in Florida, to develop strategies for improving it, and to establish priorities. It has been successful in securing action on its two highest priorities.
- CIMS was largely responsible for legislation that added a science component to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test effective in 2003 (mathematics was already included).
- CIMS has been instrumental in securing from the Florida legislature an annual budget of $3,000,000 for professional development of K-8 teachers in Mathematics and Science.
In addition, CIMS has successfully advocated the designation, by the Florida Department of Education, of mathematics and science as areas of teacher shortage, qualifying students for special scholarships.
CIMS has also led successful efforts to correct substantial errors in the Science and Mathematics components of Florida's Content Standards for Teachers in science and mathematics.
PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT ACTIVITIES
CIMS operates in partnership with the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM), the Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST), the Florida Association of Mathematics Supervisors (FAMS), the Florida Association of Science Supervisors (FASS), and the Higher Education Consortium (HEC) in Mathematics and Science. Each of these groups has a representative on the CIMS Board.
The NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Astronaut Memorial Foundation (AMF) have made their facilities available for statewide meetings. The American Chemical Society and the National Science Teachers Association have collaborated and helped support the legislative briefing.
PRODUCTS
CIMS produced an informational document for legislators and policymakers that provides Florida and National statistics and quotes documenting the need for strengthening K-12 education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology.
Return to Top of Page
|
