Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Strengthens Alabama Math Education Through Expanded BW Walch-AMSTI Partnership

Strengthening Mathematics Education in Alabama: BW Walch Expands Partnership with AMSTI

BW Walch enhances its commitment to improving mathematics education in Alabama by extending its partnership with the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). This multi-year extension focuses on the implementation of the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) professional learning program across K–8 schools in the state. The initiative provides educators with research-based tools and resources designed to empower them in enhancing their teaching methodologies. Since its inception, OGAP has played a critical role in Alabama’s educational strategy, effectively training thousands of teachers to utilize diagnostic frameworks that help identify and rectify student misconceptions in mathematics.

The ongoing success of this partnership is reflected in the recent rebound of Alabama's math scores, which show a recovery rate outpacing that of many other states. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Opportunity Project's Recovery Explorer, both fourth and eighth-grade math proficiency levels have shown steady increases since 2022, particularly in areas where AMSTI and OGAP have been actively implemented. Al Noyes, CEO of BW Walch, highlights the significance of this partnership in equipping educators with evidence-based professional learning, allowing them to better understand the reasoning and misconceptions of their students. This focus on teacher empowerment is crucial in addressing the learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.

The renewed partnership promises to expand professional learning opportunities and district-level support while introducing innovative online tools for ongoing coaching and collaboration. These enhancements aim to further bolster Alabama’s math recovery efforts, ultimately striving for improved educational outcomes across the state. The emphasis on consistent instruction and pedagogical knowledge, developed through research funded by the National Science Foundation, positions OGAP as a central component in the ongoing endeavor to elevate mathematics education in Alabama.

In addition to the partnership expansion, BW Walch's collaboration with AMSTI underscores a broader commitment to educational improvement in the region. By providing comprehensive support to educators, the initiative aims to create a lasting impact on student achievement in mathematics. For more information on the Ongoing Assessment Project, interested parties are encouraged to visit www.ogapmathllc.com.