SSI supports implemention of comprehensive changes in science and mathematics education through development and alignment of new standards, partnerships, policies, practices, and resources. The FY 2002 funding will provide support for three remaining SSI states. The FY 2002 budget will provide continuing support for extant urban projects. Furthermore, the Los Angeles school district's annual study, Plans of the Graduates, revealed that Year 1 graduates of these predominantly low-achieving schools qualified to enter California's university system at a rate of nearly 33 percent above the 1996 graduates from these same schools. The San Antonio Systemic Initiative project, begun in 1996, has shown a consistent rise in student achievement among all students.
Comparisons also indicate that the achievement gap between ethnic groups is narrowing.
Scores of Hispanic students in the 8th grade have increased by 38.4 percent over the same time period. RSI promotes improvements in science and mathematics instruction in rural, economically disadvantaged regions. It develops leadership capacity among the teachers and adminstrators, encourages community and family involvement in education, and makes innovative use of distance learning strategies. In FY 2002, RSI will continue to support extant implementation awards.