Algebra II PD: Get paid to plan for Common Core implementation

EMATHS Algebra II-Embracing Math, Assessment & Technology in HS Algebra II

Are you interested in learning the aligned content, pedagogy, and embedded use of technology needed to engage your Algebra II students in both the Content and the Practices required by the Common Core State Standards for Math (CCSS-M)?

If so, register for this opportunity to explore units of study for Algebra II along with benchmark assessments aligned with the CCSS-M. You will experience these units and assessments through the embedded use of technology.

What do I get?

If you register by the deadline of Wednesday, September 5, 2012, you will receive:

·        all course materials including a TI-Nspire Color CX

·        a reserved spot for the eight full-day, face-to-face sessions

·        a $600 ($150/day) stipend upon completion of the course and all requirements

·        your school will receive $400 ($100/day) to cover substitute teacher costs

·        4.8 SB-CEUs awarded after meeting all course requirements (There is a fee for these.)

What do I need to do to earn the stipend?

You will need to attend ALL eight, full-day sessions. You must also complete all course tasks and activities including the pre- and post-surveys.

In order to register, you must be a Algebra II teacher.

The eight (8) face-to-face days will be Friday-Saturday combinations and will occur on:

9/21/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 9/22/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 10/26/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 10/27/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 11/9/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 11/10/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 11/30/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM 12/1/2012 8:00AM-3:00PM

To participate, you must register by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 5 AND you must reply to the confirmation email by the end of the day on Thursday, September 6. If you fail to meet either requirement, we will have to forfeit your spot.

Register 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.

FREE Michigan Algebra II Moodle Course Available NOW

Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District is pleased to provide a free online Algebra II course aligned to the Michigan High School Content Expectations. It was created during the 2009-2010 school year with Federal Title II D Enhancing Education through Technology Grant funds in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Education.

The course is designed to provide an online educational experience that utilizes multi-media materials to develop a thorough understanding of Algebra II content. Michigan’s Algebra II students will gain understanding through text, audio, video lessons, interactive activities, and worksheets. Teachers will be able to monitor students’ progress through worksheets and assessments. In addition, they will have access to a multitude of quality resources aligned to the Algebra II High School Content Expectations in one easy to access location. The creators also used the Macomb Intermediate School District’s Algebra II EMATHS trainings as a springboard for content development.

If you want to know more about the course and its creation by Northern Michigan High School Math teachers, check out the Overview of the Michigan Algebra II Moodle Course

For future access to the overview document, you can link to it from the TBAISD website home page within the “Highlights” section: www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us

The course was created in Moodle and once downloaded onto your server, you have full editing permissions. We are currently in the process of completing a Michigan Algebra I Moodle Course to be shared with the state. You will be notified when it is available.

During the first year of implementation, the course may need adjustments. Remember that teachers will have full editing permissions to alter the course. If you have comments or suggestions, please use the embedded feedback option within the course.