Free Algebra 1 online course

A new offering from SASCurriculum Pathways—a complete course—provides teachers and students in traditional, virtual, and home schools with all the required content to address the Common Core State Standards for Algebra 1. Available online and offered at no cost, the course engages students through real-world examples, images, animations, videos, and targeted feedback.
The course incorporates 21st-century themes like global awareness and financial literacy while weaving assessment opportunities throughout the content. Teachers can integrate individual components or use the entire course as the foundation for their Algebra 1 curriculum. Explore the course now.

Paid PD opportunity for grades 7-12: Project PRIME

Project PRIME participants have the opportunity to receive free professional development. You must act immediately. The PD dates are set for

• Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012
• Monday, Mar. 5, 2012
  
• Friday, Mar 23, 2012
  
• Monday, Apr. 23, 2012
  
• Friday, May 11, 2012

Project PRIME goals: Michigan secondary teachers of mathematics (Grades 7 – 12) will
have

1. a deeper understanding of mathematics content and pedagogy;
2. the ability to integrate the appropriate standards of practice in classroom instruction;
   
3. the capacity to utilize an Inquiry approach to instruction;
4. the skill to utilize formative assessment data to guide and differentiate instruction;
5. an understanding of new content expectations (CCSS); and
6. the ability to help students develop the quantitative skills needed to be successful in the 21st century.
   

To accomplish this goal, PRIME will help teachers understand and incorporate into their practice:

• the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics;
• the CCSS Eight Standards of Mathematical Practice;
• the SMARTER Balanced Assessment process and the types of items on the test;
• the developmental process involved in Mathematical Thinking;
• the use of “Inquiry” as a means to help students construct their understanding; and the importance of “collaboration” with other professionals to enhance practice.

Think you may be interested? Check out the flyer for more information and to register.
HURRY - spots are limited.

Algebra 4 All: Making it possible with Algebra Tiles

How can we teach for understanding to help meet the goal of successful algebra learning for all students? One way to teach for understanding is to use concrete models to introduce algebraic concepts. One type of concrete model that has had tremendous success in teaching Algebra for understanding is the algebra tile. Algebra tiles can be used to add, subtract, and multiply integers, model and simplify algebraic expressions, model and apply the distributive property, solve linear equations, multiply polynomials, factor both integers and quadratics, and complete the square.

This two-day workshop series will focus on teachers gaining experience and understanding in using algebra tiles to model, manipulate, and solve algebraic expressions. Teachers will also have time to incorporate the use of algebra tiles into their lesson, unit, and assessment plans. This exploration and development will be focused through a careful study and analysis of the HSCE, GLCE, and Common Core State Standards that call for and are supported by the use of concrete models like algebra tiles. This series supports a functions-based approach to Algebra.

Note: To register for this series, you must have completed the pre-requisite workshop: Using Tiles to Understand Mathematical Operations.

Register now for Algebra 4 All

Geometry and...Toilets?

Dan Meyer is a high school algebra and geometry teacher who believes teachers need to DO LESS... for their students. He has a knack for viewing the world through mathematical lenses. And, he shows his students how to do the same. Dan's students learn geometry and algebra in context. They explore and create mathematics on a daily basis.
Dan's most recent dy/dan blog post and mathematical exploration was inspired by his new Toto toilet with dual-button flush feature.
Curious? Check out what he did with this button in I’m In Love With This Toilet Basically.
After you've explored the problem, I have two further suggestions (for high school math teachers and the math-intrigued)
1. Subscribe to his posts.
2. Then, check out the My Curriculum links for Algebra and Geometry on the right side for access to just about everything Dan does in his high school classes on a daily basis.

For those of us interested in learning more about Dan's "do less" philosophy of teaching, check out his TED talk entitled "Math class needs a makeover". It's truly inspirational.

Teaching Algebra: opportunity and resources

Michigan's Algebra for All Project seeks to help teachers transition to teaching algebra from a functions-based approach to help ensure that ALL students are successful in Algebra.
This year, the project is offering a combination teacher-training and resource-sharing initiative: Algebra for All Online.
What is Algebra for All Online?
An online professional development course preparing middle and high school mathematics teachers for teaching Algebra 1 using the function-based approach.
An opportunity to learn today and use tomorrow.

Dates
Fall 2010: Oct. 4 - Dec. 5
Spring 2011: Feb. 14 - April 17

Features

• Entirely online – learn on your own time
• Eight one-week modules corresponding to the 8 days of the original Algebra for All training
• Activities and strategies for implementing the functions-based approach in Algebra classrooms
• Interactive graphing calculator tutorials
• Original online interactive tools and lessons for use with students
• Video from live Algebra for All training sessions
• Taught by a trained Algebra for All facilitator
• Opportunities for discussion, collaboration and feedback with peers and the instructor
• Access to the Algebra for All Social Network including interaction with 800+ Michigan math teachers, lesson plan repository, and additional resources for students
• Over 25 practical lessons and activities for immediate implementation with students

Registration Information
Cost: $200 per teacher with 50 available scholarships for free registration
Credit: SB-CEU credit granted through Michigan LearnPort®. Graduate credit may be available.
To Enroll/Apply for a Scholarship
Send the following information via email to Dr. Peggy Gaskill, pgaskill@mivu.org before Friday, Sept. 17, 2010: Name, school, city, email address you will use for the course, telephone number (for the facilitator’s use only).

An Enrollment Form / Scholarship Application will be emailed to you.