The AIMS Center, supported by the non-profit AIMS Education Foundation, provides K-12 educators with innovative, research-based teaching techniques to better engage and prepare their students in math and science. AIMS staff translate research into teaching practices designed specifically for the diverse backgrounds of Central Valley children.
"There is a lot of important research about how children learn and the best ways to teach, but teachers do not have the time to sift through all that information and implement it into the classroom," said AIMS Center Director Lori Hamada. "Our researchers at the AIMS Center are dedicating their time to doing so. Our staff can read, dissect and transfer this research into practical tools for teachers to implement in the classroom."
Events took place in AIMS Hall of Math and Science and outside Wiebe Education Center, where the center will be located, Both buildings are on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Other speakers included Jim Yovino, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools; Debbie Poochigian, chairman, Fresno County Board of Supervisors; Dora Westerlund, CEO, Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation; Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D., FPU president; Joseph Castro, Ph.D., M.P.P., president, California State University, Fresno; Richard Thiessen, Ph.D., senior researcher, AIMS Center; Jon Hillen, chair, board of directors, AIMS Education Foundation; and Kyndall Brown, executive director, California Math Project.
By inspiring a new generation to embrace math and science, the AIMS Center is meeting a growing need in the region. "I believe that The AIMS Center for Math and Science Education, over the next decade or so, will touch the lives of a thousand more teachers, therefore thousands of students—making an impact and literally changing students' lives," Hamada said.
PHOTO: Richard Thiessen addresses the crowd at the AIMS Center groundbreaking ceremony. Front row from right are Debbie Poochigian, Joseph Castro and Richard Kriegbaum. (Photo courtesy Carter & Co. Communications)