CATALyST

CATALyST Staff Become GEMS Trainers

CATALyST Staffers Sherri Ferrel and Mary Helen Blanchard have now achieved the title of GEMS Associates. Their intensive training was completed at the GEMS (Great Explorations in Math and Science) Associate's Institute held at Durham Middle School in the Lewisville Independent School District of Texas from June 6-8, 2005.

Because of their successful accomplishments, Sherri and Mary Helen were able to bring the following back to CATALyST: firsthand experience with many GEMS units; in-depth knowledge of the GEMS philosophy, approach, and pedagogy; familiarity with the ways GEMS addresses national, state, and local standards; knowledge of how GEMS can be used to construct a larger curriculum; and effective strategies for introducing educators to, and supporting their use of, GEMS.

Originating from the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California at Berkeley, the GEMS Program is a widely recognized resource for the effective implementation of inquiry-driven, standards-based instruction in both science and mathematics.

CATALyST is delighted to acknowledge the efforts of Sherri and Mary Helen as they now represent an affiliation with an organization not only based in a K-8 curriculum program, but a growing national and international support network of dedicated educators as well.