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For immediate release:
May 18, 2006

Carnegie Mellon Psychologist Appointed To National Math Education Panel

Robert Siegler

PITTSBURGH—The U.S. Department of Education has appointed Robert Siegler, the Teresa Heinz Professor of Cognitive Psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, to the National Mathematics Advisory Panel. The panel's mission is to advise the president and secretary of education on how scientific research can advance the teaching and learning of mathematics.

The panel consists of 17 expert members, including Siegler, and six ex-officio members. It will issue two reports containing policy recommendations on how to improve mathematics achievement for all students. The panel's first meeting will take place May 21-22 in Washington, D.C.

Siegler's research focuses on children's reasoning and problem-solving abilities, particularly in mathematics and science. He has written seven books, edited four others, and authored more than 150 articles and book chapters. His book, "Emerging Minds," was named one of the "Best Psychology Books of 1996" by the Association of American Publishers.

"Being appointed to this panel is both an honor and a challenge. Math achievement in the U.S. has improved somewhat in recent years, but it still lags far behind that of many other countries, especially at the middle and high school levels," Siegler said.

"I'm hopeful that bringing together the insights of cognitive psychologists with the insights of the mathematicians, policy analysts and educators on the panel will help improve this situation," he said.

Siegler's appointment is the latest recognition of Carnegie Mellon's pioneering work in education technology and research. Although the university has no education school, its interdisciplinary culture has propelled researchers in departments ranging from psychology to statistics and computer science to produce innovations that have boosted achievement in schools nationwide. To learn more, go to www.carnegiemellontoday.com/article.asp?Aid=284.