| Nan Powers Varoga | ||
| Houston A+ Challenge, 713-658-1881 | ||
| Lisa Bunse | ||
| Houston ISD, 713-892-6393 | ||
| Crawford Bunkley | ||
| ExxonMobil Public Affairs-Upstream, 713-656-6238 | ||
HISD LAUNCHES $1.3 MILLION MATH INITIATIVE
ExxonMobil Foundation and Houston A+ Challenge to Partner
on Project
HOUSTON, TX, OCTOBER 17- - The Houston Independent School District (HISD), ExxonMobil Foundation and The Houston A+ Challenge today announced a $1.3 million, three-year pilot project to identify, develop, and place K-5 mathematics specialists in the classroom. The project will work to improve student achievement in mathematics by strengthening teachers’ knowledge of mathematics and instructional methods.
The announcement was made during a morning ceremony at Foerster Elementary, one of eight elementary schools selected to participate in the project. Many key educators and contributors took part in the ceremony, including: Dr. Rod Paige, superintendent, HISD; Larry Marshall, president, HISD Board; Edward F. Ahnert, president, ExxonMobil Foundation; Hugh Hayes, deputy commissioner, Texas Education Agency, and Linda Clarke, executive director, The Houston A+ Challenge.
"At ExxonMobil, we believe the best schools are distinguished by a passionate and unanimous focus on a single goal -- student learning. A vital component to advancing mathematics education in schools is a well-prepared, dedicated faculty," said Edward F. Ahnert, ExxonMobil Foundation president. "Clearly, this Mathematics Initiative being implemented in HISD schools is a strong step in strengthening teacher proficiency and ensuring academic success for the children of Houston."