ICRSME
International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education (ICRSME)

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

History
The International Consortium for Research in Science and Mathematics Education (ICRSME) was conceived by Arthur L. White in 1983 as a result of working on various projects in Central America and the Caribbean under the auspices of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and the United States Information Agency (USIA) in Washington, DC. The consortium was organized by White along with Juan Esquivel from the University of Costa Rica and Pamela Fraser-Abder from the University of West Indies. The charter member institutions of the Consortium included these three plus the University of Panamá; the National Pedagogical University of México; and the American School in Puebla, México. By 1985 a variety of cooperative and collaborative projects and activities were underway involving institutions and individuals within each of these countries. The major impetus and responsibility for the continuation of the activities and consultations of ICRSME since 1987 have primarily been due to the efforts of Professors Donna F. Berlin and Arthur L. White at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

The ICRSME has convened thirteen International Consultation meetings since its conception. They have been as follows:

1986 Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago February 12 – 15
1987 San José, Costa Rica December 9 – 12
1991 Merída, México February 25 – 27
1992 San Juan, Puerto Rico February 5 – 7
1994 Concepción, Chile January 27 – 29
1996 Belize City, Belize February 7 – 9
1998 Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago February 26 – 28
2000 San José, Costa Rica February 1 – 4
2002 Panamá City, Panamá January 29 – February 1
2004 Concepción, Chile March 10 – 13
2006 Nassau, The Bahamas March 10 – 12
2008 Quito, Ecuador May 13-16
2010 La Manzanilla, México March 9 – 12
2013 Granada, Nicaragua March 13 – 16

These meetings have included research and curriculum development reports, symposia, professional development and teacher education seminars, research skill development workshops, social events, and cultural experiences.

If you are interested in presenting a session at the ICRSME XV consultation, complete the information requested below. Send this proposal form as an attachment to: Arthur L. White at (white.32@osu.edu) on or before October 1, 2018.