BP Foundation Earns Award for Its Support of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project

The BP Foundation (formerly the Amoco Foundation) has been honored by the Council on Foundations, a membership organization of more than 2,000 grant-making foundations and giving programs worldwide, for its support of the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project (UCSMP).

The BP Foundation has provided a total of $8.4 million to UCSMP since it helped establish the project in 1983. UCSMP is the nation's largest university-based mathematics curriculum project. Its programs -- PreK-Grade 6 Everyday Mathematics and the UCSMP curriculum for Grades 6-12 (3rd edition) -- are published by Wright Group/McGraw-Hill, providing continuity for students and streamlining their mathematics education.

UCSMP is a multifaceted project that aims to improve mathematics education for students in all grades. Its hallmarks have been to upgrade the school mathematics experience for the average student, to even out the pace of instruction, and to incorporate real-world uses of mathematics into the student's classwork at all levels. "Students need a strong foundation in mathematics to prepare for their futures," said Zalman Usiskin, professor of education and director of UCSMP. "UCSMP is focused on helping them succeed through the programs we develop."

Wright Group is publishing the third editions of PreK-Grade 6 Everyday Mathematics, as well as Transition Mathematics and UCSMP Algebra in its secondary curriculum this year. Other courses in the UCSMP secondary curriculum will follow in future years, and all third-edition materials will be available by Fall 2009.

"All of us at the Wright Group are very proud of our association with UCSMP and the proven success of the programs," said Bodie Marx, executive vice president of Wright Group/McGraw-Hill. "The support the BP Foundation has provided to UCSMP has been integral in providing outstanding mathematical instruction to America's students, and we are pleased that they have been recognized for that contribution to education."

The Critical Impact Awards were established by the Council on Foundations in 2007 to recognize grants that have made a demonstrated impact on the common good -- locally, nationally, and/or globally -- and can serve as models for others in philanthropy.

"The University of Chicago School Mathematics Project is one of the most significant education investments that BP Foundation has made in its 55-year history," said Patricia Wright, president of the BP Foundation. "Education has been the cornerstone of BP Foundation support for many years."

About Everyday Mathematics

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill's PreK-Grade 6 mathematics program Everyday Mathematics helps students measure up to the demand for greater mathematical competence and problem-solving ability. Developed by UCSMP, the research-based curriculum coincides with standards established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and is used in nearly 185,000 classrooms across the United States by more than 3 million children.

About the UCSMP Secondary Curriculum

The UCSMP Secondary Curriculum for grades 6-12 emphasizes problem-solving, everyday applications, and the use of technology, while developing and maintaining basic skills. This research-based curriculum is also used in every state.

About the BP Foundation

The BP Foundation provides grants worldwide to schools and non-profit, charitable organizations located in communities where BP operates. The Foundation also administers an employee matching program and provides support for disaster relief/humanitarian aid efforts.

About the Council on Foundations

The Council on Foundations is a membership organization of more than 2,000 grant-making foundations and giving programs worldwide. The council provides the opportunity, leadership and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. Visit www.cof.org for more information.

About Wright Group/McGraw-Hill

Wright Group/McGraw-Hill publishes innovative, alternative core and supplemental literacy and mathematics programs for differentiated instruction and teacher training in Grades Pre-K-12. The research-based approach is anchored in real-world applications and is based on the assessed needs of students, combining developmentally appropriate materials with explicit outcomes.

Wright Group is part of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading global provider of instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower the success of professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 40 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/ For more information on Wright Group's products, call 1-800-648-2970 or visit www.wrightgroup.com.

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Education

CONTACT: Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-3214
tom_stangton@mcgraw-hill.com
or
Becca Litchfield
Paul Werth Associates
(614) 224-8114 Ext. 241
rlitchfield@paulwerth.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/
http://www.wrightgroup.com/
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