Welcome to the Systemic Initiatives

The Systemic Initiatives (SI's) are a multi-year effort designed to boost the achievement of U.S. students in science, mathematics, and technology. Funded and administered by the Division of Educational System Reform (ESR) in the National Science Foundation, the SI's represent a significant investment of time and resources to improve what U.S. students know and are able to do in the critical areas of science, mathematics, and technology.

Already this investment in systemic educational reform is beginning to show signs of paying off, according to "Academic Excellence for All Urban Students," a recent report published by Systemic Research, Inc. Nearly all of the 21 cities that received National Science Foundation funding starting in 1993 have been able to document an increase in test scores, and eight of these districts reduced the achievement gap between minority and white students. Further, average enrollments in algebra, physics, and other high-level courses increased in districts receiving NSF Systemic Initiative funding. Encouraging news notwithstanding, more work is needed to ensure that all U.S. students are achieving at high levels in science, mathematics, and technology.

About This Site

This site is designed to serve as a resource tool for all those engaged in or concerned about systemic educational reform in mathematics and science. It features background information on the Systemic Initiatives, and offers those engaged in systemic reform a range of tools and resources for effectively addressing the challenges inherent in the work of transforming schools, districtwide.

This site is maintained by The McKenzie Group (TMG), as part of a technical assistance contract with the National Science Foundation (NSF), and does not necessarily reflect the views of NSF.