SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced the winners of $14 million in California Mathematics and Science Partnership (CaMSP) grants to local educational agencies and eligible partnerships. In turn, these organizations create opportunities for teachers to receive professional development in teaching math and science.

"Standards-based professional development for our teachers has been a key factor in increasing our school's test scores for five years in a row," said O'Connell. "These grants will provide opportunities for our teachers to enhance their skills in math and science instruction."

Staying the course with California's rigorous standards and increasing our achievement gains are cornerstones of O'Connell's initiatives to improve schools. He is also focused on improving high school student performance and reducing the bureaucratic burden on local educational agencies. For more information, please visit State of Education - Initiatives,

The funding source for CaMSP grants is the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, Title II, Part B law. NCLB requires all teachers of core academic subjects, like math and science, meet the federal definition of "highly qualified teacher" no later than the end of the 2005-06 school year. CaMSP is in-depth professional development program for educators to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge of math and science through professional learning activities. The program is designed to increase student academic achievement in math (grades five through algebra I) and science (grades four through eight).

A panel selected the grantees on a number of criteria including the applicants' vision, goals, and outcomes for teachers and students. For more information about the California Mathematics and Science Partnership program, please visit CA Mathematics & Science Partnership Grant Program - Mathematics. The list of 17 award winners is listed below: