Mission and Goals

The mission of the International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education (ICRSME) is the advancement of science and mathematics education in participating countries. This mission is based on the premise that all peoples can benefit from the knowledge and experiences of their local, national, and international colleagues. Since its inception in 1986, members of the International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education have shared their work in the following venues: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (1986); San José, Costa Rica (1987); Merída, México (1991); San Juan, Puerto Rico (1992); Concepción, Chile (1994); Belize City, Belize (1996); Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (1998); San José, Costa Rica (2000); Panamá City, Panamá (2002); Concepción, Chile (2004); and Nassau, The Bahamas (2006).

The ICRSME focuses on programs for collaborative research, curriculum development, instructional improvement, academic exchange, teacher education and professional development, innovation initiatives, and shared resource opportunities. The benefits to be gained include multicultural perspectives, sharing of resources, the unification of purposes and efforts toward improving academic programs, and the fostering of peaceful relationships among the peoples of the participating countries. The ICRSME is the result of the efforts of individuals who have similar academic interests and visions for the future. The current foundation and basis for future activity lies in the dedication that these individuals have toward the improvement of educational opportunities in their own and neighboring countries.

In order to serve the mission, the consortium model includes five interrelated goals:

1. Promoting collaborative efforts among scholars in the participating countries
2. Designing, facilitating, and conducting research toward the pursuit of a better understanding of science and mathematics teaching and learning
3. Developing academic exchange programs between universities in order to broaden the educational experiences of students and faculty
4. Acting as an impetus in establishing ties between the local, state, and national educational associations in the participating countries
5. Identifying the particular science and mathematics education needs facing current and emerging underrepresented populations in the participating countries and directing research and development to meet those needs

The ICRSME constantly attends to the cultural similarities and differences of the member countries. Discussions related to educational organization, financial constraints, resource availability, logistics, language characteristics, custom and tradition, social and personal priorities, communication differences and needs, level and nature of expertise, and educational needs specific to the country and common to other countries within the ICRSME are promoted. In view of the ICRSME mission to advance science and mathematics education in the participating countries, the Consortium emphasizes the application of curriculum, instruction, and learning theory models to science and mathematics education and to the conceptualization and implementation of research. Science and mathematics materials are shared, evaluated, and modified to meet specific cultural needs.