While their pupils were relishing time off, teachers and principals from several downstate school districts were hitting the books this past summer at an educational enrichment program drawing on both public- and private-sector expertise.

The goal was to dramatically improve math and science learning among youngsters attending 10 public schools in Union, Johnson, Pulaski, and Alexander Counties in deep Southern Illinois.

Test scores show that an alarming number of pupils in these schools--some of Illinois' poorest--are falling far behind in math and science knowledge. "These schools are in a position where they've got to turn around performance to prevent sanctions" under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, says Randy Dunn, head of the project and chair of SIUC's Department of Educational Administration and Higher Education.

The other partners in the venture are the Boeing Company's St. Louis center, Shawnee Community College in Ullin, and the Ullin-based Regional Office of Education #2, which oversees the 10 participating schools. Faculty from SIUC and Shawnee and engineers and scientists from Boeing are serving as mentors to 50 teachers and 10 principals from the targeted schools.

At a summer training institute held at SIUC, the teachers studied with math and science experts and learned about work-based learning activities from area businesses. High-school teachers also took part in hands-on research at SIUC to increase their knowledge in math and science, while middle-school teachers tested new instructional strategies on area youngsters attending the Saluki Kids Academy, which brings students to SIUC each summer for academic and cultural activities.

Meanwhile, the principals devised school improvement and academic assessment plans, learned how to bolster faculty leadership, and brainstormed about ways to involve parents in their children's education.

Shawnee Community College and the Boeing Co. also have hosted activities for the participants.

This fall, teachers are incorporating what they've learned into their classroom lessons and meeting regularly to discuss their progress with their summer mentors, who also are helping them tailor instruction to meet the Illinois State Learning Standards.

Dunn hopes the yearlong program, formally known as the Southern Illinois Teacher Quality Collaborative, will provide "meaningful jumps" in student performance and achievement. A $320,000 Illinois Board of Higher Education grant is funding the efforts.

--by Paula Davenport, Media & Communication Resources