RSSeNEWS to be determined...

The Advisory Committee on Mathematics Education (ACME) provides a two-way channel between the mathematics community, the Government and its agencies, and other policymakers on mathematics education issues in English schools and colleges between the ages of 5 to 19. The Committee works both proactively and reactively – producing policy reports and responding o policy initiatives in key areas. Insofar as is feasible for a small group, it also seeks to have  balanced representation across the full 5-19 period, region, gender and ethnicity. ACME is currently funded by the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) and the Gatsby Foundation up to 31 March 2011 (with current efforts ongoing at seeking further funding).

ACME is now seeking 2 new members –candidates for the positions are expected to have current or recent experience of teaching within schools and/or colleges. They will also have some knowledge of the education policy landscape, and/or be willing to develop associated skills through membership of the Committee. We welcome applications from across the full range of interests, but for one of the vacancies we are particularly seeking someone with experience of secondary education.

As a member of the Committee you will have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of mathematics education issues. Candidates will be required to work independently and within teams on projects that will help shape Government policy and influence the work of its stakeholders. Such work will help you to broaden your expertise and understanding of how education policy is developed as well as allowing you to contribute your own experience to those more distant from the classroom.

Since there is a continuous cycle of membership on the Committee, experienced colleagues and the Secretariat work to support one another as new members are inducted into the working practices of ACME.

Starting Time and Commitment – commitments, we can be flexible about start dates; but it is expected that you should begin somewhere around September 2010 – applicants should indicate their preferred start date. While our funding continues to March 2011, we are currently seeking new funds to ensure ACME can continue beyond this date.

New members will normally be expected to give 10% of their time to ACME work, and their employers will be reimbursed for the relevant proportion of their salary and any on costs via the Royal Society, which hosts ACME. Membership is usually for a three-year term (but with the condition that continuation beyond 31 March 2011 will be subject to funding). Travel and subsistence expenses incurred on ACME business (including for its formal meetings, usually held monthly in London) are reimbursed directly to members. Members will be selected considering the strategic priorities and overall balance of the Committee, and on the basis of all or some of the following criteria:

· An ability to think strategically;

· An understanding of policy analysis and of government;

· Confidence to form their own views and to engage with senior policy makers;

· Willingness to work on agreed ACME activities and ability to commit the necessary time to such

work;

· Broad expertise and recognised status;

· Involvement in established networks (such as membership of professional bodies);

· Experience in writing, leading projects, and communicating to diverse audiences;

· Open-mindedness and the ability to work as part of a co-operative team; and

· Deep personal subject knowledge of mathematics.

The members of ACME will serve as expert individuals and not as representatives of any organisation or interest group. The Secretariat will provide induction support to new members upon joining the Committee. Applications should include:

· a 2-page CV.

· an explanation in no more than 500 words what they feel they will bring to ACME and how they will manage to give the time required for ACME work (around 25 days per year including 12 committee meetings, usually in London).

Applicants should provide a signed reference from their department head, principal or head teacher supporting their application to join ACME and confirming that they will be allowed to commit at least 10% of their time. Applications must be received by Monday 8 March 2010 at the very latest.

Please send  electronic copies of application papers (including an electronic scan of the signed reference) to marie-claude.dupuis@royalsociety.org with the subject header ‘Open Call 2010’. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend interviews to be held on the 16 March in London.

For further information about ACME and its work please see www.acme-uk.org. Should you wish to discuss the process or the work of ACME in more detail, or speak with a member of the Committee, please contact Nick Bowes, ACME Head of Secretariat, on nick.bowes@royalsociety.org.