Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

The Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative is the Alabama Department of Education's facet dedicated to the improvement of math and science teaching statewide. The state seeks to provide all students from kindergarten to the twelfth grade with the knowledge and skills needed to enter post high school education or workforce. There is no direct cost when enrolling a school into the AMSTI system. Additionally, AMSTI delivers large buckets and tubs of science and math equipment to public schools in Alabama for students and teachers to utilize.

The AMSTI method provides hands on activities for students. Before AMSTI, teachers would have to scour and save old and weathered math and science materials. Now, with the placement of AMSTI tools, teachers continually receive new activities and materials to keep students engaged and interested in math and science. AMSTI is a hands-on method of learning that is extremely beneficial.

If a school is to receive AMSTI products and lesson plans, their teachers must pass certain certification and attend AMSTI seminars. These gatherings are day long and are inconvenient for school employees. Also, with the installation of AMSTI, some teachers feel as if they cannot teach their own material and must follow strictly to AMSTI methods and lessons. Math and science opportunities outweigh the negatives of the Math and Science Initiative, which make the AMSTI beneficial for all of Alabama.