following letter quoted from Langley High School:

I am writing this letter hoping to influence your consideration of awarding Dr. John Anderson of Carnegie Mellon University this honor.

I am the mathematics department chairperson of Langley High School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the past 5 years, Dr. Anderson is responsible for raising the mathematics achievement and standards effecting hundreds of my students. Langley is the test bed for piloting an incredibly dynamic and unique intelligent cognitive tutor. Through Dr. Anderson's efforts my students have been exposed to experiences with cutting edge technology and software that is unheard of in urban education. My school has gained national recognition and a constant flow of visitors wanting to observe mainstream urban children actually enjoying while learning meaningful mathematics. Due to the influence of this project, our school claims to be one of the few public schools to have all incoming freshman scheduled for Algebra One. Inclusion of special needs students is now possible with this technology. Having this technology available to all children, mostly for the first time in their formal education is changing their lives. The spin off effects are limitless. Not only have we effected the students, but also their parents. Among many different facets of our program, one in particular is inviting parents and students to family night algebra sessions there the children teach the usage of this software and hardware to their parents.

Prior to Dr. Anderson's Project at my school, a very low percentage of my mathematics teachers were computer literate, myself included. This project has changed those statistics. Currently, most of my math teachers have their own computers and email. The teachers are required to take the students into a computer environment at least 2 out of ever five classes a week. Forty percent of their time is spent helping students on a one-on-one basis in the computer lab. Dr. Anderson has not only provided us with this lab, but continually upgrades and maintains it. None of the above mentioned changes would have taken place if it were not for this project.

The Collaboration of CMU and Langley does not stop in the computer room. CMU has welcomed two of our staff, given the status of visiting faculty, enabling university/secondary education infusion. In other words, it is not the case of higher education recommending change in secondary education, based on experiences they seldom have. It is more the case of secondary public school teachers working hand in hand with cognitive psychologists and computer scientists and programmers giving and taking and combining expertise at all levels. The pilot does not fly till everyone is happy. As a result, hundreds of our students are benefiting from the combined efforts of everyone who is most concerned that they lead productive lives and enter the world with the skills needed to compete for jobs in the future. Our project has presently expanded to several Pittsburgh Public High Schools and some suburban schools in Allegheny County. There is nothing comparable to what we have on the present market. This cognitive model teaches every child, while tracing their knowledge, enabling exposure to skill level problems that will guarantee eventual success. It is truly remarkable. Parents have often said, "If they only had this when I was in school, not only would I have passed Algebra, but I would have understood why I was doing it..." This tutor puts students in real world situations and applies algebra when it is useful. As any pilot goes it is not glitzy and has no frills. It is not even in color. It amazes me daily that our children are so enthralled by this type of environment. The teachers enjoy it for many reasons. Imagine a classroom where every child (about 30) are all on different pages, doing different types of problems and maybe even different chapters ALL AT THE SAME TIME and the teacher is not going crazy and the students are getting immediate feedback enabling them to achieve the max. Sound too good? This is a reality thanks to Dr. John Anderson. The classroom of the future is the classroom of today at Langley High School and if that is not the ultimate example of Pioneering Achievement in Education, then please tell me what is.

if you have questions, feel free to call or email.


Jaclyn Baker Snyder
154 Main Entrance Dr.
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 343-6049