NCTM Research Catalyst Conference

September 11-13, Reston, Va.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) will host a Research Catalyst Conference September 11-13, 2003 at the Sheraton Reston in Reston, Virginia. This working conference will bring together approximately 100 participants from various research communities with the intent of catalyzing coordinated research about the impact, implementation, and influence of state and national standards and related national initiatives, including assessments, instructional materials, and teacher education programs. The conference is being planned by NCTM and is funded by NCTM and the National Science Foundation. Financial support for travel, hotel, and meals during the conference is provided.

Goals of the conference are to:

• Improve pre-K-12 mathematics teaching and learning by generating and catalyzing coordinated research about key question related to the impact, implementation and influence of standards and related assessments, instructional materials, and teacher education initiatives.

• Build and strengthen an interdisciplinary research community with capacity and interest to do research about important issues in mathematics teaching and learning as related to standards in mathematics education.

Conference working groups will address the following:

1. Assessment and Student Achievement 2. Changing Nature of Schooling and School Demographics 3. Instructional Materials and Curriculum 4. Local Policy and Community Context

5. State and National Policy 6. Teaching and Learning 7. Teacher Preparation 8. Teacher Quality and Professional Development

Approximately 80 applicants will be selected from various research communities, including mathematics education (learning, teaching, teacher knowledge), mathematics, policy, curriculum development, professional development, sociology, organizational studies, administration/leadership, science education, economics, measurement and evaluation, research design and methodology (both quantitative and qualitative), psychometrics, communications, school teaching, and ESL. Selections will be made to ensure that a diversity of disciplines and perspectives are represented.

Conference participants will be selected from applicants who submit curriculum vitae and statements of interest and will be divided among the eight working groups. Applicants are asked to choose up to three groups they would like to participate in and present a rationale for their selection. The complete announcement, application, and other information such as the working group descriptions and names of group leaders can be found at http://www.nctm.org/highered/catalyst.htm. Established education researchers and those who are just beginning their careers are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is June 15; selections will be made by July 1.