Excelling in Math and Science" Grant Received by Henson School and Somerset County Public Schools 

SALISBURY, MD---The Salisbury State University and Somerset County Public Schools Partnership for “Excelling in Math and Science” has been developed as anattempt to increase the number of students, especially African-American students, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland who enroll in post-secondary education.

The partnership will focus on improving skills in mathematics and science in sixth grade students at Greenwood and Woodson Middle Schools in Somerset County. Additionally, the partnership will involve parents/guardians in campus visits to an interactive science museum. Services will be targeted to all sixth grade students in Somerset County.

The partnership has been funded by the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Gear Up Program for $48,200 through January 15, 2002.

“Successful admission to higher education and acquisition of technical and professional employment is dependent upon sequenced coursework in math and science across middle and high school education,” said project director Robert Tardiff,SSU professor of mathematics and computer science and associate dean of the Henson School. “Students who possess weak foundational skills in these areas or who lack adequate knowledge of prerequisite courses for higher education and promising employment often opt out of upper level courses in mathematics and science.

“Unaware or unsure of the requirements for admission to higher education, parents and guardians are unable to adequately advise the student toward successful completion of high schools and admission into higher education,” said Tardiff.

The partnership will address this barrier through tutoring in math and science, visiting and joiningthe EXCEL Interactive Science Museum which provides learning basedscience and math activities, linking of foundationalmath and science skills to career choices and providing financial aid workshops for parents or guardians.