Half-Million-Dollar State Grant will Help BoostElementary Math Achievement

Instructional leaders and mathematics teachers at Moreno Valley Unified School District are celebrating a nearly $500,000 California Elementary Math & Science Professional Learning Initiative (CEMSPLI) grant made to the University of Redlands to partner with the district to improve elementary students’ mathematics achievement. The focus is on students of color, English learners and students from low-income households. The grant was awarded by the California Department of Education. “This grant provides much-needed support to elementary teachers as they help students accelerate their mastery of California mathematics standards,” explained Chief Academic Officer Dr. Martinrex Kedziora. The project, known as “Transforming Lives Through Mathematics Leadership Institute,” will develop collaboratively led professional-learning communities in which elementary school teams of teachers and principals can co-develop their knowledge of math-focused content and technology-infused instruction. The goal is to help all elementary students build the growth mindset, number sense, and algebraic conceptual knowledge needed to form a solid foundation for future mathematics achievement in middle and high school. “This project really is transformational and groundbreaking,” Kedziora added, “and we are thrilled to be working with such distinguished partners. Our students are going to thrive with this opportunity.” Dr. Jose Lalas, Director of the Center for Educational Justice at the University of Redlands, is the project director; MVUSD mathematics teacher Deepika Srivastava is the project coordinator. Other partners include the National Association of Elementary School Principals; UCLA; Riverside County Office of Education; Expanding Education, Inc.; Dr. Pamela Clute of UC Riverside; and MVUSD Parent Ambassadors; ERC is the independent, outside evaluator.