This is my last message to you as Governor. By the time you
receive this Newsletter, you will have already elected the
Governor for 2004–2007. Thank you again for the
opportunity to serve, and best wishes to the new Governor.
One issue that concerns many of us is the quality of the high-stakes tests being used as part of No Child Left Behind. In Michigan, this is the MEAP. An article in last year’s Detroit Free Press (and other state newspapers) revealed that the 2003 high school mathematics MEAP had a probability question for which none of the available choices was correct. The composers of the question didn’t understand the subject they were testing! There is something you can do to help—volunteer to serve on the state’s Content Advisory Committee. Twice a year about 15 mathematicians and educators gather for a few days in Lansing to review proposed questions for correctness and suitability. Expenses are paid (but, sadly, currently no honorarium), and it’s a great chance to interact with colleagues, especially high school teachers and administrators. For more information, contact the director, Kyle Ward (517-335-7172, wardk2@michigan.gov).
There were few surprises at the Board of Governors meeting in Phoenix. As usual, dues were increased to keep up with inflation (about 3%). The organization remains healthy. Record book sales are expected once 2003 figures are in; the MAA published 20 new books last year, and you can buy some of them at our Annual Section Meeting in May. Some future meeting sites were selected (including San Francisco in January 2010).
One more nudge: There are dozens of really outstanding mathematics faculty members in institutions of higher education in Michigan. The Section honors one every year with its Distinguished Teaching Award. The selection committee needs more nominees! Talk to your department chair and put it on your calendar to nominate someone from your department next Fall.
I hope to see many of you at Oakland University May 7–8. And don’t forget MathFest 2004, August 12–14, in Providence, RI.
Jerry Grossman, Governor