March's Workgroup: Differentiating Instruction in K-5 Mathematics

• Are you a K-5 math teacher who wants to know more about effectively differentiating mathematics instruction?

• Do you wonder about what the research says for differentiating mathematics instruction?

If so, come to March’s Math Workgroup at Kalamazoo RESA.

Tuesday, March 8

4:30-6:30 pm

We will spend time exploring the research-based Concrete-Representational-Abstract instructional sequence.

The C-R-A sequence has proven to assist all students in better understanding mathematics – at all levels.

We will explore the C-R-A instructional sequence using two common models: Bar Models and 10-frames. Both models can be used across grades K-5 mathematics

Light refreshments will be provided free of charge but feel free to bring your own snack as well.

HURRY! Registration is limited to 50 people!

In order for us to get an accurate count for materials and refreshments, complete the short form at: http://tinyurl.com/math-workgroup

by the Friday prior to the Math Workgroup monthly meeting: March 4, 2011.

CCSS-M: What, How, When and How about YOU!

The Center on Instruction hosted a webinar on February 9, 2011, featuring Dr. Francis (Skip) Fennell who provided an overview of the Common Core State Standards and the intended impact on the field of mathematics. Both the archived WebEx file and the PowerPoint presentation used during the webinar are available to view and use.

WebEx: Common Core State Standards for Mathematics - What, How, When and How about YOU!

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics March Workshop

The Common Core State Standards for K-12 Mathematics were released in June 2010. Michigan has adopted the Common Core.

But where does that leave us?

Kalamazoo RESA invites you to attend a one-day workshop on March 22, 2011 to explore the answers to this question.

District or school teams of teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators will begin to answer these important questions:

· How does the Common Core for Math compare to Michigan’s GLCE and HSCE for math?

· When will we be expected to fully implement the Common Core?

· What type of PD is available for us to be trained in the Common Core?

· What resources will we need to implement the Common Core?

· How will the Common Core affect assessments like the MEAP and MME?

· What will we have to change? What will stay the same?

Information and resources will be shared. Teams will work together to determine the impact of the Common Core and begin to develop a district- or school-wide strategic plan for implementation.

Register NOW!

Note: This is a repeat of the National Math Standards: The Common Core workshop that took place on September 22, 2010

New 4th Year Math Course Option - free training for teachers

"When will I ever use this?"
Do you find your students often asking this about the mathematics they are learning? If so, come check out a 4th year HS math course with real answers!

Kalamazoo RESA invites you to attend a FREE, 1-day workshop for High School Mathematics Teachers. Come explore a new MINDSET for mathematics teaching and learning that is applications-based & problem-driven. It focuses on Algebraic & Probabilistic Real-World Decision Models.

Schools who have teachers attend will be reimbursed up to $100 per teacher to cover substitute teacher costs.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided
Limited Availability — Register NOW!
Date: Friday, March 25, 2011; 8:30 am—3:30 pm Location: Kalamazoo RESA Registration Deadline: Friday, March 18, 2011
Register: http://bit.ly/KRESA-MINDSET

And, if you like what you see, MINDSET will pay for training and all teacher and student materials if your school implements during the 2011-12 school year.

MEAP & MME Cut Scores to be Raised

This Tuesday, Michigan's State Board of Educations passed a measure that will raise "cut scores" for being graded as proficient on Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests taken by elementary and middle school students and the Michigan Merit Exam taken by high school students. The new scoring scales for math, reading, writing, science and social studies tests could be adopted by June and go into effect during the 2011-12 academic year.

How will Michigan's students, teachers, and schools be affected? Check out a presentation to the State Board of Education outlining the potential impact of the increased cut scores.