Mathematics Award Announcement
American Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges

In February 2001, the American Mathematics Association of Two-Year Colleges issued a call for nominations for Exemplary Programs in mathematics related to technical programs. The award is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), with up to 10 awards to be showcased at a national conference in Las Vegas in September.

The selection criteria was based on:

• Currency
• Content
• Delivery
• Classroom environment and
• Being part of a successful program.

Ellena Reda, the Program Coordinator at Dutchess Community College and Curriculum Leader for the Next Step math courses, nominated the Next Step technical math courses on behalf of Verizon, the IBEW, the CWA, and the 25 consortium colleges in New York and New England.

Some of the many exemplary practices cited in the nomination are:

• Collaborative course development achieved through events such as the Faculty Institute and curriculum meetings
• The cross discipline approach that insures appropriate course content and sequencing so skills needed in other courses are met
• Use of laptops and software provided by Verizon
• Use of Lotus Notes for communication
• Access to the web via the Verizon intranet
• Incorporation of the competencies
• The interactive, student-centered approach, that includes presenting concepts in a contextual framework
• Design of open-ended problems that model real world situations
• Recognition of the Program by the Department of Labor
• Modeling of the Program by generic programs and other college offerings
• Faculty sharing of best practices

We are proud to announce that Ellena's nomination resulted in an award for Exemplary Programs in Mathematics for the Next Step Program! In addition to showcasing the Next Step Program at the national conference, "Technical Mathematics for Tomorrow: Recommendations and Exemplary Programs", in September, descriptions of the award winning Exemplary Programs will be compiled into a book that will be distributed to all two-year colleges with technical mathematics programs across the country. These programs will also provide the basis for an NSF-funded study of where technical mathematics courses should be going in the future.

Special credit goes to Ellena for all of her efforts as Curriculum Leader, and for her initiative in nominating the Next Step Program, and to all the math faculty who have been so dedicated to insuring the courses are exemplary. In addition, everyone involved in the Next Step Program should take pride in and credit for this award. The exemplary practices that Ellena described were developed and continue to be followed by all of you. Congratulations!