Matrix Star Schools Project
Matrix is a federally funded project administered through the US Department of Education. The lead agency is Ohio Board of Regents. Matrix partners include ADEC, University of Kansas (ALTEC), New Mexico State University, Wexford, Inc., Boston Public Schools, and Mississippi Public Broadcasting. For more information on the Matrix Project, see www.matrixlearning.org.
Matrix in California
Alliance for Distance Education in California (ADEC) is a major partner in Matrix.
California agencies supporting Matrix include California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office; Computer Using Educators, Inc. (CUE); Los Angeles County Office of Education, Instructional Technology Outreach; Process Theatre, Inc.; Sacramento Educational Cable Consortium; Sacramento County Office of Education, Technology Services; Safari Video Networks.
Implementation
The Matrix grant specifies that partners develop mathematics learning activities using emerging mobile technologies (EMT’s). The ADEC partnership produced Matrix Math, a collection of instructional guides, movies for iPods and other mobile technologies, and student reflection on learning via podcasts and blogs.
Matrix mathematics topics are ratio and proportion; linear equations; and data, statistics and probability. These are the areas that 8th grade students were found to have the most difficulty on the 2005 NAEP. They are also the topics that middle school mathematics educators across the states recognize as the most difficult for their students.
Underperforming middle school students are the primary focus in Matrix interventions. Field tests have been very encouraging in the first two years of the project. In years three through five (2008-1010), many schools and students are expected to participate in Matrix lessons nation-wide. In California, expansion is expected to occur in middle schools across the state.
Participating in Matrix
California teachers and administrators interested in using Matrix products should contact Jeannie Toshima at jtoshima@sbcglobal.net.
Kitty Salinas, project director in California
kitty.salinas@sbcglobal.net
Alan Amundsen, mathematics education coordinator
aamundsen@sbcglobal.net
Wayne Borders, outreach coordinator
matrixmath@verizon.net
Carmen Dean, Los Angeles County coordinator
Lida Lim, English/language arts consultant
Sara Munshin, Mathematics Council coordinator
Amy Murphy, mobile technology consultant/CUE
Joseph Parente, Sacramento County coordinator/mobile technology
Jeannie Toshima, mathematics media consultant
Metafour Productions