UMass-Dartmouth boosts science, math education

FALL RIVER, Mass.—The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth is hoping to produce more graduates with advanced science and math degrees, and it’s starting by focusing on how their students teach those topics.
   
University officials announced this week they received $2.2 million in National Science Foundation grants that will be used to develop new strategies to teach higher level math to elementary school students.
   
UMass-Dartmouth Chancellor Jean MacCormack says teaching methods must be re-examined and broadened.
   
The school also has established a new doctoral degree in mathematics.
   
UMass President Jack Wilson tells The Herald News that advanced education in science and technology is critical if students are to succeed. He says jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math fields are growing, but there aren’t enough properly educated people to fill them.