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Thursday, January 30, 2014

Call for speaker poposals

The Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics is looking for speakers to share their expertise
with colleagues at the 2014 Annual Conference as we focus on
our theme, “Balancing the Transition: Surviving to Thriving.”

  • Do you have strategies that help incorporate the Common Core State Standards in your teaching
  • Do you have expertise in bringing Smarter Balanced Assessment skills into the classroom?
  • Do you use project based learning to teach concepts?
  • Are you using assessments in-line with Smarter Balanced?
  • How do you support different learners in your classroom?

Focus areas may include:

  • Common Core State Standards
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Interventions
  • Use of Technology
  • Assessment

Please consider sharing your knowledge and ideas with Michigan teachers this summer in
Holland. The online speaker proposal is now available. Proposals are accepted through February, 14, 2014.
Lead presenters receive a complimentary conference registration. This year, that will include
keynote address by Dr. Karen Karp and a wide variety of break-out sessions and vendor booths
plus evenings at leisure in beautiful Holland, MI.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Apply for a Kalamazoo County Educator Incentive Grant today!

Applications available for 2014 Educator Incentive Grants

Interested? Visit the Excellence in Education page for general information, guidelines, grant writing tips and application forms.

Questions? E-mail Jill Ansel at  or Kristin Flynn

Don’t Wait! Applications are due no later than February 10, 2014.

Standards Based Grading and Formative Assessment: Learn from those who've done it

Registration closes at 5 pm on February 3, 2014
$125 per person MIEM Member/$195 Nonmember
Dansville Schools1264 Adams Street, Dansville, MI 48819
February 11, 2014 • 7:45 am-3:30 pm
Learn how to change grading and assessment practices from the traditional methods to standards-based grading with a balanced approach to assessment and why this approach is worth considering. Participants will be able to interact with teachers, students and administrators in exploring each of the following areas:
  • HOW to create clear learning targets aligned to the Common Core Standards
  • HOW to create a balanced assessment system
  • HOW to use tracking and self-assessment in the classroom
  • A different approach to grading practices
Recommendations: It would be helpful for participants to read the following work before visiting:
Classroom Assessment for Student Learning–Doing It Right–Using It Well by Rick Stiggins, Judith Arter, Jan Chappuis and Steve Chappuis
Fifteen Fixes for Broken Grades: A Repair Kit CANADIAN EDITION, c. 2012 Pearson, Toronto, Ontario
It is strongly encouraged to register in teams with an administrator. Be sure to select a grade level and subject area for classroom visitation.
Register by fax.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Illuminations: Resources for teaching math

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recently unveiled its re-designed website of free resources for teaching math Illuminations.
The Illuminations site now sports a right-hand panel for searching its interactive tools and instructional support according to the NCTM Principles and Standards along with Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM).

You can use Illuminations to find lessons and online, interactive math activities. Check it out today!

Illuminations is a project designed by NCTM and supported by the Verizon Foundation.