Math

The number of college students choosing to enter the science and math fields has declined nationwide in recent years. The Jessamine County school system, like others across the state, has begun to offer new and innovative classes in an effort to raise interest among high school students in pursuing math and science careers. One of the newest classes the Jessamine Career and Technology Center offered for the first time this fall was Principles of Biomedical Science. The class is part of Project Lead The Way, a national curriculum designed for middle and high school students to get them engaged and excited about math and science.

Dr. Seuss may not be renowned for his scientific theories, but the Striving Readers program has some Bate Middle School teachers using his books to promote literacy in science classes. "I think a great example of how this uses literacy strategies to teach content is Jill Mullins' seventh-grade science class reading 'Bartholomew and the Ooblech' by Dr. Seuss as a way to teach her students properties of different materials," said Bate literacy coach Vicky Ramey. "The story is an entry point for the students to get into the content and, of course, to read.

LANCASTER - More than 200 local veterans visited Garrard Middle School on Tuesday to observe and share stories in a Veterans Day program organized by eighth-graders and math teacher Peggy Couch. The program began with an assembly featuring a speech by state Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville. "I'm proud to be here honoring those who served and sacrificed for our country," Buford said, noting that his father served in World War II and told him many stories from his experiences in the military.

Several local schools are taking part in a state program that makes teaching the teachers a top priority. With CATS scores being released Wednesday, those involved hope the result is higher math scores for students. The Kentucky Center for Mathematics Coaching Program is a three-year-old initiative to improve math teaching and learning in schools. Participating teachers attend training sessions several times a year and are required to spend at least half their time in their schools as a coach.

Dear Editor, When gasoline prices were on the rise, sometimes the price changed two or three times in 24 hours. Now the prices are going down and it is hardly reflected at the pump, we have only seen a 35-cent a gallon drop and oil is only $114 a barrel and still going down. What is the math being used on this, or do they think consumers forget? George WalkerDanville

Each Kentucky school and district has a specific number of No Child Left Behind goals to meet in order to make Adequate Yearly Progress. Here's how area districts fared: Boyle County District: 13 out of 13 target goals. 100 percent. AYP made. Boyle County High School: Nine out of 12 target goals. 75 percent. AYP not made. Areas not met: Mathematics for kids on free or reduced lunch; reading and math for students with disabilities. Boyle County Middle School: 13 out of 13 target goals.

Big Brainz - makers of the "Timez Attack" multiplication computer game - have released a new version of their popular game. They now also offer a Mac version of the game. It's been a couple years since I first mentioned "Timez Attack" here, and with area schools starting back again, I felt it was a great time to revisit it. The game is a really solid tool for helping kids learn their multiplication. But the best part is they can have tons of fun while doing so. "Timez Attack" features great graphics and challenges.

The beginning of a new school year always brings an air of excitement and puts a little extra spring in the step of students, teachers and administrators alike. With opening day less than a week away, there's probably no one in town more excited about the upcoming year than Jessamine County Superintendent Lu Young. "I love the start of school. When they start putting school supplies out in Wal-Mart, it's better than Christmas," Young said. "I'm always excited about opening day, but especially so this year because I really think this is going to be great year.

Tomorrow Clark County parents and students will find out how their schools fared in last year's state testing, when the Department of Education releases results from the federal No Child Left Behind program. Data from the spring of 2008 will be available on the Kentucky Department of Education Web site at 8 a.m., and The Winchester Sun will publish a story with reaction from school officials in Tuesday's edition. No Child Left Behind requires that a set percentage of students score proficient or higher on state-level testing in reading and math.