History of the Math, Science, and Technology Program in Caddo Parish
The Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Consortium was formed in 1999 to address the need for a workforce that is better prepared to meet the technology requirements of industry in North Louisiana. The Consortium, consisting of Centenary College, the Biomedical Research Foundation, the Committee of One Hundred and industry leaders, became partners with Caddo Parish School Board to create a more connected and symbiotic relationship between the K-12 learning environment and the post-secondary realm of employment and continuing education. To further strengthen ties with regional higher and continuing education institutions, the Consortium for Education, Research and Technology, consisting of north Louisiana’s higher education institutions and technical colleges, and Louisiana State University in Shreveport joined the MST Partnership. The MST Consortium’s mission is to promote and support best-practice teaching of mathematics, science and technology that results in scientifically and technologically literate graduates better suited for participation in the new knowledge-based economy. Keithville Elementary/Middle School and Southwood High School were the pilot sites for initial implementation in 2002-2003.
The goal of the MST Initiative is to provide all students at all learning levels with exceptional knowledge, skills and experiences especially in mathematics, science and technology for continued study and employment in these and other areas. Graduates will have the requisite background to pursue immediate employment (certification), continued study and experience (technical college), or advanced academic study (2 or 4 year college).
There are three principal objectives to the MST Initiative:
1. To improve access to and knowledge of technology for students, including a decreased student to computer ratio and state of the art software and hardware. Also included in this objective is the opportunity for students to participate in the Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) program that integrates technology as a tool for lifelong learning. Caddo Parish School Board, the Biomedical Research Foundation, and private donors are collaborating on this component.
2. To enhance professional development of teachers and students in both discovery-based, student-centered instruction and in technology proficiency.
3. To expand effective coordination of the MST Partnership that engages the community and industry to participate and support the MST Initiative. The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Consortium for Education, Research and Technology, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission has taken the lead on this component by creating the Business Education Partnership which is made up of area businesses interested in technology-based learning.
The Mathematics, Science and Technology Program
Creating a learning environment that develops skills needed for the new technology age.
In collaboration with the Caddo Parish Public Schools, Centenary College and other local organizations, the Foundation is implementing a model education program designed to improve the curriculum and delivery of mathematics and science education among all Caddo Parish students. The Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Program focuses on the extensive use of technology as a learning and problem-solving tool and promotes collaborations among students, teachers, parents and the community in creating a learning environment that encourages a holistic educational experience.
The MST program, launched in 2002 at Southwood High School and Keithville Elementary/Middle School in Caddo Parish, emphasizes the use of technology as a discovery tool with hands-on learning for students and professional development for teachers. As of Fall 2004, the program comprised 61 teachers and over 3,000 students in grades 4-12, and expanded to include Ridgewood Middle School. In Fall 2005, the program expanded to its second cluster of schools by including Woodlawn High School. As of Summer 2010, 7,000 students and 150 teachers in grades 4 through 12 have participated at the schools. The ultimate goal of the MST program is to expand to all Caddo Parish schools, one cluster at a time.
