This summer, math teachers will team up with Special Education educators to be taught how to better reach the mathematical ability of Special Education students in their schools. Twelve counties from the state will participate.

Dr. Laura J. Pyzdrowski and the Blue Ribbon Mathematics Committee are using the $31,783 Blue Ribbon Algebra award to fund a workshop, which will center around integrating the expertise of special education teachers with the knowledge mathematics teachers. High and middle school teachers from Doddridge, Harrison, Hampshire, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Upshur and Wood counties will be served by funding for this grant.

All the students who benefit are in some type of special education,says Dr. Pyzdrowski, the Pre-Collegiate Mathematics Coordinator for West Virginia University. She is also the coordinator for Blue Ribbon Mathematics and the workshop, taking place Aug. 4-8, at WVU .

The special education students who take Algrabra 1 are going to get a regular graduation diploma,because it helps them to succeed in regular high school math credits that they are responsible for, regardless of their needs, says Dr. Pyzdrowski.

By the year 2004, this program will be even more appreciated. Next year, according to the Blue Ribbon Algebrasstatement of need,students graduating with a standard diploma from a W.Va. High School are required to have three credits of mathematics with two of the three credits being Algebra 1 and above.This could eventually hinder the aspirations of many who dont feel that math is their strength, especially those who have learning and/or mental disabilities.

To learn how to better facilitate for these special education students, keeping a focus on Algebra 1, mathematics and special education teachers will work together at the workshop.Together, they will look at new content standards for Algebra 1 and come up with methods to use for students who have these disabilities,says Dr. Pyzdrowski.

By the end of the workshop, the teachers will develop their own plans,which will prepare them for the following year, she continues. And if all goes well, other mathematical subjects will be centered on in the future, like a Geometry workshop in the summer of 2004.

The Blue Ribbon Mathematics Committee has been active for the past six years, and Dr. Pydrowski says she feels lucky.We have been so lucky to have money every year,she says, and also lucky to have the success that they have had in the past, and hopefully in the future as well.