Please Note: MSU MEMO is archived as a part of Mississippi State University's history. Articles may refer to situations which have changed or people who are no longer affiliated with the university.
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May 5, 2003 Volume 27, Issue 34 |
More than two dozen educators from 13 Mississippi school districts are enrolled in an innovative educational project that allows them to earn master's degree credit through intensive all-day Saturday classes at MSU.
Funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Project Impact is a collaboration among MSU and 13 public school districts. The districts include Amory, Choctaw County, Clinton, Houston, Louisville, Lowndes County, Meridian, Neshoba County, Newton County, Noxubee County, Starkville, Tupelo, and West Point.
"Mississippi State is providing the course content and instruction," said Dr. Richard V. Damms, associate professor of history and director of the Center for Historical Studies formed under the grant.
Funding for the center was obtained through a competitive grant proposal developed by Damms' departmental colleague, associate professor Lorenzo M. Crowell. Ranging from $300,000 to $1 million, the 2003 awards went to approximately 150 school districts around the country.
Crowell said the federally supported program is designed to emphasize research-based methods for improving instruction and teacher education. "Funds are to be used especially to improve the content knowledge in key areas of American history," he explained.
Damms said the ultimate goal of the program is to give participants new perspectives on a subject many have taught for years and to create a cadre of scholars who can share their knowledge with other teachers.
When they have completed the program, the teachers will return to their schools as mentors.