Course Schedule (used with minor changes for 3 cohorts)Summer #1 (in residence)3 hours Mathematics - Geometry 3 hours Education/Mathematics Education - Pedagogy/Sec-Post-Sec 3 hours Rural Sociology/Rural Education - Historical Perspective Fall #1 (via distance)3 hours Mathematics Education - Curriculum 3 hours Mathematics - Linear Algebra (Optional if needed) Spring #1 (via distance) 3 hours Mathematics - History of Math 3 hours Research - Qualitative (Optional if needed) Summer #2 (in residence) 3 hours Mathematics - Advanced Algebra 3 hours Education/Mathematics Education - Assessment3 hours Research/Probability and Statistics - Quantitative Fall #2 (via distance)3 hours Rural Sociology/rural education - Curriculum 3 hours Internship/Mathematics Education - Technology (Optional if needed) Spring #2 (via distance)3 hours Mathematics - Discrete Mathematics 3 hours Internship/Research (Optional if needed) Summer #3 (finish residency) 3 hours Mathematics - El Math from Adv. Standpoint 3 hours Education/Mathematics Education - Research Trends in MTE 3 hours Rural Sociology/Rural Education Fall #3 (via distance) 3 hours Mathematics Education - Adv. Studies in ME 3 hours Mathematics - Adv. Calculus (Optional if needed) Spring #3 (via distance) 3 hours Research - Design 3 hours Mathematics - TBA (Optional if needed) Summer #4 Write Comprehensive Exams/Begin Dissertation

The Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment, and Instruction in Mathematics (ACCLAIM) was one of five Centers for Learning and Teaching funded by the NSF in 2001. Five institutions comprise ACCLAIM: the University of Tennessee (Dr. Vena Long, PI), the University of Kentucky (Dr. Carl Lee), the University of Louisville (Dr. Bill Bush), Ohio University (Dr. Craig Howley), and West Virginia University. All centers were required to: 1) Address a national need (ACCLAIM: Rural Mathematics Education)2) Address the need for more doctorates in STEM education areas  Mission: to cultivate the indigenous leadership capacity for the improvement of school mathematics in rural places. ACCLAIM goals: (1) to coalesce as a center; (2) to develop mathematics Leadership capacity in rural areas; (3) to build relationships and collaborations among educators interested in the learning and teaching of mathematics in rural areas; and (4) to generate knowledge about teaching and learning mathematics in rural areas.

Rural Mathematics Education and ACCLAIM

Rural math education is, in a sense, the invention of ACCLAIM.  The Center operates a multi-university doctoral program in mathematics education (with a strong rural focus) and a research initiative (entirely rural mission).  The research effort (concluding its final no-cost extension in 2011) has produced about 150 publications, including 23 peer-reviewed journal articles. Additionally 2 award-winning dissertations were conducted with ACCLAIM's support. This site is maintained by Craig Howley (Ohio University).The Center recruited three cohorts of about 18 students each; coursework for the final cohort ended in spring 2010.  Members of the first and second cohorts are candidates for the degree (which means they have defended study proposals) or preparing proposals.  The third cohort is in the process of sitting for qualifying examinations. To date (May 2011), 15 students have successfully defended dissertations.

ACCLAIM: STEM Capacity Building in Rural PlacesMichael Mays — Institute for Math Learning, Department of Mathematics, West Virginia University

For further informationEmail mays@math.wvu.edu.

The home page for the ACCLAIM Rural Mathematics Education Project, with a research repository and back issues of the Rural Mathematics Educator, is maintained by Dr. Craig Howley at https://sites.google.com/site/acclaimruralmath/Home

AAMTE: http://www.aamte.clubexpress.com/

Doctoral Program of Study (Masters plus 60 hours minimum) [Cohort program with summer sessions in residency and academic year offerings through alternative delivery systems.] Mathematics (at least 30 hours post-bac required by NSF) The mathematics content will include geometry, linear algebra, history of mathematics, advanced algebra, discrete mathematics, advanced calculus and a culminating course in elementary mathematics from an advanced standpoint. Mathematics Education (18 hours minimum) The mathematics education content will include pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and current trends and methodologies of research in mathematics education. Rural Education (9 hours minimum) The rural education component will consider the issues of learning mathematics in a rural context from a historical, sociological and research-oriented perspective. Research (12 hours minimum) Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies will be included with design issues appropriate for addressing the most pressing issues in mathematics education in a rural context. Dissertation (12 hours minimum) Doctoral CommitteeChair from degree granting institution, Mathematician (NSF requirement), Additional members as required by the granting institution Doctoral ExaminationsComprehensive Examination - consistent across the ACCLAIM cohortDefense of Dissertation - specific to the granting institution

The Appalachian Association of Mathematics Teacher educators is an affiliate of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators.  The ACCLAIM team worked toward establishing and facilitating the sustainability of AAMTE.  The association is now fully independent.  It serves as a forum for faculty of colleges and universities who teach in mathematics education programs.  The association serves a unique function as a forum and convening body for such faculty in the region’s many small public and private colleges.