Building the Capacity for Improved Math Instruction

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Building the Capacity for Improved Math
Instruction
Franklin Cruz, Director, Professional
Services Maryann Marrapodi, Chief Learning
Officer September 22, 2008
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Who Cares?

• Ubiquity Its Part of Our Lives
• Math permeates almost every aspect of daily life
  from the traditional to the current
• Upheavals In many Different Ways
• The Jamaican Bobsledding Team to Switzerland
• Increasing demands for mathematics facility for
  post secondary options college and the
  workforce

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What is the Current Status?

• 2007 NAEP
• 31 of eighth graders proficient or advanced 38
  of fourth graders
• PISA
• 2003 US Teens scored 24th of the 38 countries
• Economic Time Bomb US Teens Among the Worst in
  Math
• In a 2007 survey of adults
• 78 could not calculate the interest on a loan
• 58 could not figure out a a tip for a lunch bill

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From Math to Algebra for All

• Algebra is the gatekeeper.
• Once separated college-bound from others
• Many blue collar jobs require strong math skills
• Algebra Access
• Critical for post-secondary opportunities in an
  increasingly flat world
• The highest level of math reached in HS is the
  strongest predictor of BA attainment regardless
  of race, income or background

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The Response? More, Sooner

• More Algebra II for Graduation
• Algebra is no longer the end its the means
• Achieve and 13 states formed the American Diploma
  Project (2005) now 33 states
• Algebra II the central focus, required by 20
  states and DC
• 14 states adopted a common assessment over
  90,000 students in 12 states took the pilot
  assessment in 2008
• A higher level of math skills is required for
  more post secondary options, including blue
  collar jobs.

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• Workers on the factory floor responsible for
  ensuring that the steel meets specifications must
  be able to calibrate sophisticated equipment,
  which requires math knowledge roughly equivalent
  to algebra. But, too often, the company finds
  that its employees lack these skills.

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• Sooner Algebra I in Grade Eight
• Algebra In Grade Eight Not a new idea, but
• California is now the first state to require
  algebra for all eighth graders and test their
  achievement
• It wont be the last
• While close to 60 of Californias eight graders
  are currently studying Algebra I, only 38 test
  proficient
• Where to Begin?
• Begin in Pre K
• Get serious in Kindergarten

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Alyx A Snapshot of the Future?
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Your Turn

• Discuss
• As thought leaders, how are you addressing more,
  sooner in your schools?
• What strategies have you found to be most
  effective in bringing people on board with the
  policies and practices you are promoting?

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The Trends

• ax2 bx c lt (C6H5CO)2O2

Algebra Before Acne
Algebra II By 12
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Implications

• Elementary school teachers Prepare students for
  success in algebra
• Middle school teachers Teach all students for
  success in Algebra I and prepare them for Algebra
  II
• High school teachers Prepare all students, not
  just the high achievers, for higher math
• Instructional leaders Support and monitor the
  environment necessary for effective,
  research-based mathematics teaching and learning

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How Can Teachscape Help?

• Instructional leaders support teachers.
• Provide the tools to measure impact and support
  effective algebra teaching and learning.
• Walkthrough tools to review instruction.
• School-wide reflective process to develop and
  implement instructional improvement.

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How Can Teachscape Help?

• Teachers support all students.
• Build sustainable capacity among PreK 8 math
  teachers.
• Year-long programs of study focused on content
  and instruction.
• Robust online resources available anywhere,
  anytime.

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How Can Teachscape Help?

• Teachers support all students.
• Provide intensive support for Algebra teachers.
• Year-long programs of study and online resources
  focused on teachers of algebra.
• Programs on planning and meeting the needs of
  students struggling with algebra.

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The Plan Comprehensive Systemic
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In Closing
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