Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Sciences
Commitment to Building the State’s Intellectual Capital
With the enactment of SB 139 in 2006, the Kansas Legislature
demonstrated its commitment to provide talented high school
students an exceptional academic experience. The Kansas Board
of Regents selected Fort Hays State University (FHSU) to
host the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science. In partnership
with the Legislature, the Kansas Board of Regents and other
key stakeholders, FHSU is committed to this critical investment in Kansas’ future
mathematics and science leaders.
As affirmed by the Legislature, excellence in mathematics
and sciences is critical to Kansas’ long-term economic
prosperity, particularly in the biosciences. By investing in
rigorous math and science education, and by building relationships
with the state’s bioscience leaders, KAMS may serve a
crucial role in keeping the state’s best and brightest
in Kansas. The Texas Academy reports that nearly 68% of its
graduates enter the Texas workforce for math and science careers,
significantly higher than national averages.
The state’s investment now is a promise for Kansas’ future.
While FHSU is actively seeking significant foundation support
to help ensure the future of KAMS, the Academy is seeking $4.3
million through state appropriations to secure adequate state
support over the next six years.
Commitment to Quality Academics
The Legislature set the framework for required course work.
In addition, FHSU consulted with the National Consortium for Specialized
Secondary Schools in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST)
and the successful Missouri Academy to determine curriculum and course
sequencing. The NCSSSMST advocates:
- immersing students in research as early as the first semester;
- utilizing student-centered teaching strategies; and
- developing knowledge in a laboratory setting.
Effective teaching begins with preparing PhD-level faculty
with the training and tools they need to teach and mentor high-achieving
high school students in areas such as adolescent development,
talent development and group dynamics.
Research indicates that effective science and mathematics education:
- offers continual interaction with professors;
- uses technology to enhance student learning;
- emphasizes teamwork among students; and
- encourages students to apply scientific principles and reasoning to real-world problems.
Fort Hays State University will leverage its experience with
service-learning and civic engagement to cultivate citizen-leaders.
These defining characteristics form the basis for the KAMS
curriculum.
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