FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Mathematics Professor Receives National Recognition
First-Ever Winner in San Diego CountyCONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, jack.beresford@sdsu.edu
SAN DIEGO, Monday, May 15, 2000 - After nearly 25 years of work in mathematics education, San Diego State University (SDSU) professor Judith Sowder is beginning to see the fruits of her labor. Just in the last month, she's been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and received news that the Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education (CRMSE) that she directs will benefit in part from a $3 million gift from Qualcomm.
Sowder's recent good fortune can be directly attributed to her pioneering research and commitment to raising the standard of mathematics education at the K-12 level. As a professor of mathematics and computer sciences at SDSU, Sowder is credited with helping re-write the book on mathematics education and influencing the national debate on mathematics educational reform.
"I strongly believe we should have specialists with strong mathematics backgrounds from fourth-grade up," said Sowder. "When teachers have a strong understanding of the content they teach they are more likely to help students learn."
Sowder is one of two educators this year to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NCTM - the largest professional organization of teachers in the country. She is the first award-winner from the San Diego area. The award was presented last month at the NCTM's annual meeting in Chicago. In presenting the award, the NCTM nominating committee cited Sowder's research on children's development of number sense and the instructional effects of teachers' mathematical knowledge. Before receiving her doctorate in mathematics education from SDSU in 1976, she taught in elementary schools and in mathematics departments at secondary schools and university levels. Sowder has also held leadership positions on several national committees and was editor of the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education. Currently, she serves on the NCTM's board of directors.
While in Chicago to pick up her NCTM award, Sowder learned of the $3 million gift from Qualcomm - part of a $25 million commitment by the San Diego-based company to public education programs. Sowder says the gift will be used to establish a professional development institute under the auspices of the CRMSE. The institute will provide long-term professional development opportunities and will serve mathematics teachers from area school districts, beginning with the San Diego City Schools.
"I find it a little daunting, but I'm doing this because I believe in what the district is trying to do," said Sowder. "Too many mathematics teachers teach procedurally. Students can learn so much more when they understand the concepts behind the math."
Beyond San Diego, Sowder's work promises to influence mathematics teacher preparation throughout the country. As a member of the writing team of the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences' Mathematics Education of Teachers Project she will be responsible for updating the nation's blueprint on preparation of K-12 math teachers. Sowder says the document will be distributed to all mathematics departments and focus on the role the departments play in preparing teachers.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, it has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorates in 13. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto www.sdsu.edu.
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