CEMSE has begun its third year helping to improve mathematics achievement at 10 Chicago public elementary schools that are undergoing restructuring mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). CEMSE is providing in-school support to full time Mathematics In-School Instructional Coaches (MISICS) in each of the ten schools and also Data-Based Technical Assistance (DBTA) to leaders in the 10 schools and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) administrators. The project began in the 2006-2007 school year with an annual funding of approximately $1 million, and is expected to continue for several more years. Andy Isaacs (aisaacs@uchicago.edu) is Principal Investigator for the project; David Beer (dwbeer@uchicago.edu) directs the DBTA; and Cheryl Moran (cgmoran@uchicago.edu) directs the support for the mathematics coaches. Other project partners include Mary Jo Tavormina of CPS's Office of Mathematics and Science and Xavier Botana of the Office of NCLB Accountability.
The University of Chicago’s In-School Support Team launched this newsletter as a communication tool for ISICs, teachers, principals, area coaches, and ISST members.