Biographical Sketch

Chris Hirsch received his Ph.D. in 1972 from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Iowa under the direction of H. Vernon Price. Since 1973, he has been on the faculty in the Department of Mathematics at Western Michigan University where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics for teachers and in mathematics education. He brings to this work four years of secondary school mathematics teaching experience in urban and suburban settings, including a laboratory school. In 1988, he was named a Distinguished Faculty Scholar.

Chris's research focus is on secondary school mathematics curriculum development and the impact of innovative curricula on student learning. Another area of interest is the use of innovative curriculum materials as a context for teacher learning. During the period 1991-1997, he directed Making Mathematics Accessible to All, an Eisenhower-funded, state-wide professional development program for high schools. Since 1992, he has been Principal Investigator for the Core-Plus Mathematics Project funded by the National Science Foundation. He is also currently Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum which is supported by the NSF under the Centers for Teaching and Learning Program.

Chris was a member of NCTM's first Commission on Standards for School Mathematics and chaired the Grades 9-12 Working Group for the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and of the Board of Directors of the School Science and Mathematics Association and a Past-president of the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics.