PROJECT LEADERS

The Virginia project leaders have extensive experience working with each other on long-term, multi-institutional projects through the VMSC, and the Virginia CETP project and other activities.  The research team at the University of Maryland also has extensive experience with collaborative activities.  We believe that having out-of-state researchers not connected with the long-term commitment that the Virginia participants have to Virginia ’s Mathematics Specialist concept brings an important credibility to this work.  The close proximity of the University of Maryland to Virginia is another plus.

Overall project leadership will be provided by PI Reuben Farley and Bill Haver. Farley and Haver were PIs for the multi-institutional CETP project which has just concluded. In addition to leading this project they were directly involved with course development and implementation. Farley was the founding President of the VMSC and Haver served as President from 1995 to 2000, when Pitt assumed this responsibility. They each have served terms as chairman of VCU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences. They have the experience, and since the VCEPT project is concluded, the time to provide the needed leadership.

The Mathematics Specialist preparation and support component is led by Loren Pitt and Vickie Inge. Pitt is the current President of the VMSC and as a part of VCEPT led a course development team that created an innovative geometry course designed for prospective elementary school teachers that are now being offered at more than six Virginia colleges and universities. Inge is a recognized outstanding mathematics teacher, an experienced Mathematics Supervisor and currently the chair of the organization of Virginia Mathematics Supervisors. She served as the chair of the VMSC Taskforce that was commissioned to develop criteria for the licensure of Mathematics Specialists. The Taskforce released the report in May 2003. 

The research on the effectiveness of Mathematics Specialists is led by Patricia Campbell . Campbell is an experienced mathematics education researcher with extensive experience researching the impact of mathematics education reform, particularly in urban situations. 

The Policy Research Component is led by Bill Bosher who is Dean of Education and Director of VCU’s CEPI.  Bosher served for many years as the Superintendent of two large, complex school systems in Virginia and a term as Superintendent for Public Instruction in Virginia . He is in a position to provide access to the policy makers in Virginia and determine those issues that require further research.

The following individuals serve on the Management Board that meets quarterly in person, and at least monthly through video conferencing.