MATH IN THE NEWS

Math is all over the news these past couple of weeks. The National Mathematics Advisory Panel just came out with their report. Their findings should not be a surprise to us. We know that we have had some difficulties in our math program and changes needed to occur to remedy the difficulties our students are having with Algebra. I have talked with a representative from TIMSS who is also on the board of NCTM, as well as our state math consultant, and the University of Connecticut math professor to get their input on math programs. All have shared with me the importance of a conceptual based program. We also know that there is not one perfect math program and any program needs to be supplemented. But through research we also know that students need to understand concepts in order to be successful in high level math. The full panel report can be found at:

http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/index.html

Here are some of the findings…
“A focused, coherent progression of mathematics learning, with an emphasis on proficiency with key topics, should become the norm in elementary and middle school mathematics curricula. Any approach that continually revisits topics year after year without closure is to be avoided.
By the term focused, the Panel means that curriculum must include (and engage with adequate depth) the most important topics underlying success in school algebra. By the term coherent, the Panel means that the curriculum is marked by effective, logical progressions from earlier, less sophisticated topics into later, more sophisticated ones. Improvements like those suggested in this report promise immediate positive results with minimal additional cost.
By the term proficiency, the Panel means that students should understand key concepts, achieve automaticity as appropriate (e.g., with addition and related subtraction facts), develop flexible, accurate, and automatic execution of the standard algorithms, and use these competencies to solve problems.
To clarify instructional needs in Grades PreK–8 and to sharpen future discussion about the role of school algebra in the overall mathematics curriculum, the Panel developed a clear concept of school algebra via its list of Major Topics of School Algebra (listed in the report,).
The Major Topics of School Algebra ( listed in the report) should be the focus for school algebra standards in curriculum frameworks, algebra courses, textbooks for algebra, and in end-of-course assessments.
A major goal for K–8 mathematics education should be proficiency with fractions (including decimals, percents, and negative fractions), for such proficiency is foundational for algebra and, at the present time, seems to be severely underdeveloped. Proficiency with whole numbers is a necessary precursor for the study of fractions, as are aspects of measurement and geometry. These three areas—whole numbers, fractions, and particular aspects of geometry and measurement—are the Critical Foundations of Algebra.
BLOGS
On another note, I want to thank Mr. Miller for a list of his sites for developing blogs. These can be great sources for anyone who wishes to use blogging and wikis as a tool for student learning.
The March 2008 edition of The Reading Teacher has an article on collaborative literacy: Blogs and internet projects. It talks about how teachers can capitalize on suthentic writing, the writing process and the engagement of collaborative writing using these new technologies such as blogs.

TO UNDERSTAND

Saturday morning I decided to empty and organize the infamous BAG OF WORK that comes and goes with me to and from work. I divided the information into 6 stacks, literacy, math, technology, RTI, leadership and books to read. In each stack I then sorted the information into “information to be shared” and “information to file.” It is always amazing to me how much there is to read and learn and how little time we have. In my book pile I picked the book To Understand by Ellin Keene. It was recommended in one of the comments from a teacher. All I can say is that this book is one that all teachers K-12 could relate to and learn from. Ellin’s book asks us as teachers to focus on four key questions in teaching our students: 1. What does it mean to understand? 2. How do we define and teach toward high expectations and high levels of understanding? 3. What matters most in literacy learning? And 4. In what ways can we live our adult lives as intellectually curious models for our students and our colleagues? WOW! Her book addresses these questions and does make you think. So as you begin your week of teaching ask yourself when you are planning your lessons…what does it mean to understand and how am I going to bring this to my students? I need to keep reading but if anyone is presently reading this book please share your reflections

BLOGS AND WIKIS

I picked up a book entitled Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms. It is certainly a book that provided me with more than just learning about how to improve the use of blog or a wiki but provided with insight with how powerful these tools are for student learning. We talk about making authentic learning connections for students, and improving their critical thinking and writing skills. Well, blogging is truly a great tool for teachers to use in their classrooms. Since most districts have as a goal, the integration of 21st Century Skills, the use of blogging, wikis and podcasts as collaborative learning tools is the way to go. I know I have so much to learn but I am fascinated by the number of students and teachers who are using blogs to improve critical reading and writing skills. As a cruise through many of these blogs, I am impressed with student’s reflective thinking. In the planning stage at this time, it is my hope to work with a third grade teacher and her students and begin this collaborative experience with them.

On another note, we are beginning our discussion on summer reading lists for students. The town librarian met with the reading department and shared some information on what their summer theme would be and gave us some insight into parent requests. We will be asking our library media staff to provide us with suggestions and ideas to help us promote reading over the summer. We would love to have students have the ability to log into a site and list books they have finished reading. We are also thinking of an interactive way to have students work on math over the summer. Maybe a math blog per grade would work. It would be an interactive collaborative way for students to share their thinking and learning in the problem solving process.