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  • Andra Fuller, co-director of Wagoner Public Schools’ Title II math and science program, works on an overhead digital document camera the district received through a $113,840 Oklahoma Math and Science Partnership Grant. Wagoner is working with Okay and Porter schools and Destiny Christian Academy to improve science education. Staff photo by Cathy Spaulding

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February 17, 2012

Grant helps teach math, science

Funds benefit Wagoner, Okay, Porter, Chouteau math and science education efforts

By Cathy Spaulding Phoenix Staff Writer

WAGONER — A $113,840 state grant awarded to Wagoner Public Schools also helps teachers in Okay, Porter and Chouteau.

The Oklahoma Math and Science Partnership grant, awarded in 2011, helped fund a Science Alliance involving Wagoner, Okay, Porter, Chouteau/Mazie Public Schools and Destiny Christian Academy, said Andra Fuller co-director of Wagoner Public Schools’ Title II math and science program. The grant also helped buy laptop computers, a digital interactive chalkboard, a stereo microscope and a document camera with overhead projector.

“We found that only 4 percent of our teachers have a degree in science,” Fuller said. “And we found that our science scores were not meeting state levels.”

Fuller said the grant helped fund creation of a Science Alliance Center for Teacher Preparation at the WPS Administration Building. The Science Alliance works with Northeastern State University to help teachers demonstrate science in the classrooms, in the field and through technology, a State Department of Education report said.

Earlier this month, the State Department of Education recognized Wagoner and nine other districts that received Partnership Grants.

Wagoner’s Science Alliance offers professional development for teachers from participating districts, Fuller said. In 2011, the  grant helped fund a two-week Summer Institute, held in June, as well as two fall and winter sessions.

“The nicest thing is that we collaborate with other schools,” Fuller said, adding that the teachers created a computer “wikispace” where they share information.

Fuller said science teachers at Alliance schools can use the center and its technology for their professional development.

She said she plans to apply for a 2013 Partnership grant.

Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogeephoenix.com.

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