[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 18, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 A TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY SWEARENGEN STRONG

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 18, 2003

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dorothy 
Swearengen Strong, a dynamic woman who had committed 45 years to 
advocating for the educational and developmental needs of African 
American children, especially in relation to mathematics. Making it a 
priority to equip at-risk youth with essential mathematics skills, she 
has worked tirelessly to ensure that all children are prepared to 
master standards-based mathematics and traditional basic skills 
simultaneously.
  She began teaching in 1958 and has remained true to her philosophy 
that all children can and must complete Algebra by the end of eighth 
grade, in addition to attaining four years of college preparatory math 
by the end of high school. Strong has diligently worked from her vision 
of high expectations, full access, quality instruction and high 
achievement for all students. Always innovatively finding new ways to 
educate. Strong is currently directing and piloting the BiMathematics 
Project. This program will connect multiple definitions of curriculum 
faced by school districts, high stakes assessment and key mathematics 
principles to restructure and consolidate the mathematics curriculum 
for grades K-12. The project includes extended professional 
development, parental and community involvement components.
  Impressively, Strong had developed and implemented several 
initiatives aimed at making math both exciting and educational for 
students. She has coordinated three major Mathematics and Science 
Motivational Projects with NASA that highlighted the achievements of 
African American astronauts. In an effort to increase academic 
achievement for inner-city students, she pioneered the MathCounts 
Competition, which celebrates their participation in statewide 
mathematics competitions.
  She strives to empower students to always be prepared, be active 
participants in today's society and become lifelong learners. Leading 
by example, Strong has devoted many hours as founder and past president 
to the Benjamin Banneker Association. This Association provides a forum 
for mathematics educators and mathematicians to discuss learning and 
teaching math with respect to African American children. She has also 
developed a series of Bible Mathematics books and a Mathematics Tutor 
Training Manual to help Black South African students prepare for their 
University Examination.
  Mr. Speaker. It is with great honor that I recognize Dr. Dorothy 
Swearengen Strong today before Congress. She has been referred to as 
the Mother of Modern Day Mathematics. Her outstanding leadership and 
commitment to efficiently educating students makes her more than worthy 
of receiving our recognition today. I urge that my colleagues join me 
in honoring this truly remarkable woman.

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