CLASSES AIM TO READY TEACHERS.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - An orientation for people with an interest in teaching math and science to primary and middle school youngsters will be held 5 to 7 p.m. March 11 in the Antelope Valley College Board Room, SSV 151, 3041 W. Ave. K.

The program called Pathways is a joint program of AVC and California State University, Bakersfield-Antelope Valley, designed to prepare people for careers as mathematics and science educators.

``Mathematics and science education are absolutely critical to our nation and to the Antelope Valley,'' said Les Uhazy, dean of AVC's math and science division. ``The Pathways Program is a big step in addressing the local need.''

The Pathways Program consolidates services and information for prospective grade-school teachers enrolled at Antelope Valley College and facilitates their transfer to CSUB-AV.

Pathways students will receive personalized academic advice, priority enrollment in special classes, mentoring from math and science teachers, and the opportunity to see firsthand the use of technology in industry settings.

At the orientation, speakers will discuss the program and outline registration requirements. Prospective students will be able to register for the program at that time. Refreshments will be provided.

The program, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, is part of a continuing effort by AVC to work with aerospace companies, NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory and other agencies to promote math, science and engineering education.

State and national groups have pointed to the lack of adequate preparation of math and science teachers at the grade-school level as the main reason for American students' poor performance in those areas. There has been a decline in math, science and engineering majors in college as a result.

For more information, contact project director Anne Rees at [phone] or e-mail to arees(at)avc.edu.