The Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) at the University of Montevallo opened new doors last Friday afternoon.

Superintendent of Education Joe Morton, UM President Dr. Philip C. Williams and Vice Chancellor of the University of Alabama Systems Dr. Charles R. Nash, were among the dignitaries who participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

This marked the completion of the AMSTI-UM facility that houses the region&8217;s AMSTI site.

&8220;Since the program was developed we have seen test scores in math and science increase among students who are part of AMSTI,&8221; said Morton. &8220;The completion of this new AMSTI facility at Montevallo will help continue that trend.&8221;

Schools served by AMSTI have shown significant improvements in student achievement measured by the Stanford Achievement Test, the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test and the Alabama High School Graduation Exam according to The University of Alabama&8217;s Institute for Communication and Information Research.

The 8,000 square foot facility provides office space for nine AMSTI employees and five Regional In-service Center staff. The facility also houses the warehouse and refurbishment center for AMSTI.

UM Dean of Education Dr. Jack Riley said, &8220;We see AMSTI as a tremendous resource for both in-service and pre-service teachers.

The AMSTI site will work closely with the colleges of education from the University of Montevallo, Samford University and Talladega College.&8221;

Gov. Bob Riley and the Alabama Legislature provided AMSTI funding of $15 million in 2006 and $22 million for the fiscal year 2007.

&8220;We know that learning through doing is the way students learn best,&8221; said Williams.

&8220;The positive experiences gained through this initiative will likely encourage many students to consider math and science as career choices who would not have done so otherwise.&8221;

AMSTI-UM serves the following Alabama school systems:

-Bibb County High School

-Calera Elementary School

-Central Middle School (Coosa County)

-Central High School (Coosa County)

-Jemison High School

-Lincoln Elementary School

-Montevallo Elementary School

-Pelham High School

-Shades Cahaba Elementary School

-Simmons Middle School

-Tarrant High School

-Tarrant Middle School

-Vestavia Central Elementary School

-Vincent Middle/High School

-Zora Ellis Jr. High School

For more information on AMSTI visit www.amsti.org