Repository: UIHistories Project: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1990 [PAGE 136]

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BOARD O F T R U S T E E S

[ N o v e m b e r 15

Establishment of the Institute for Mathematics and Science Education, Chicago

(8) T h e senate at Chicago has approved a proposal from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to establish a new research and public service center, the Institute for Mathematics and Science Education. In the past several years, the attention of the nation has been focused on the apparent decline in the quality of its educational system. Science and mathematics have been cited as areas where problems are particularly acute. Increasing attention to these problems has come from educators, scientists, and politicians at both State and Federal levels during the past decade, including members of the National Commission on Excellence in Education; the National Science Board's Commission on Pre-College Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology; the Task Force on Chemistry Education in the United States; William J. Bennett, former U.S. Secretary of Education; and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Problems with mathematics and science instruction which have been noted in various studies include: (1) the lack of rigor in and coordination of mathematics and science curricula; (2) inadequate preparation of in-service and pre-service teachers in mathematics and science content; and (3) the lack of adequate instructional materials, particularly those for hands-on quantitative mathematics and science activities. T h e primary goal of the Institute for Mathematics and Science Education is to establish an organizational structure to promote efforts towards the improvement of pre-college education in the areas of science and mathematics. Specifically, the institute would support activities to: (1) Conduct a research-based program that leads to the development and effective implementation of new mathematics and science curricula and instructional materials. (2) Develop teacher education activities to enhance content knowledge and pedagogical skills in mathematics and science of both pre-service and in-service teachers at the elementary and secondary levels; create collaborative partnerships with local school systems for research and development activities and to develop and disseminate new instructional models and programs. (3) Facilitate the involvement of scientists and mathematicians in the development and implementation of innovative pre-college curriculum and staff development program by providing a national forum for the interaction of researchers from different disciplines. T h e interim chancellor at Chicago and the vice president for academic affairs recommend approval. T h e University Senates Conference has indicated that no further senate jurisdiction is involved. I concur, pending further action by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

O n motion of Mrs. Gravenhorst, this recommendation was approved. Revision of the College of Veterinary Medicine Admission Policy, Urbana

(9) T h e Urbana-Champaign Senate has recommended revision of certain academic requirements for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine. T h e new requirements are proposed in response to a desire to increase the number and diversity of applicants while maintaining or improving the quality of preparation of those applying. At the present time, a prescribed set of courses is required for admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine. T h e following set of courses, which amounts to sixty semester hours, is required of all applicants: 1. Eight semester hours of biological sciences with laboratories. 2. Sixteen semester hours of chemical sciences including organic and biochemistry with laboratories in inorganic and organic chemistry.