Session 1

Title: Seeing Student Thinking in Real Time with Amplify Desmos Classroom

Presenter: James Oliver

Room: Susquehanna/Yellow Breeches

Description: Discover how the free Amplify Classroom platform, powered by Desmos, can transform everyday math instruction into an engaging, insight-rich experience. In this session, participants will explore free Desmos activities and lessons designed to invite all students into meaningful mathematical thinking. Learn how real-time visibility into student reasoning allows educators to surface misconceptions, celebrate diverse strategies, and respond instructionally in the moment. We’ll examine how Desmos’s responsive feedback and motivating design features support students in understanding not just what to do, but why they are doing it. Walk away ready to leverage these tools to deepen conceptual understanding and amplify student voice.

Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)

Bio: James Oliver is an educator, coach, and the Director of STEM Product Specialists at Amplify. With more than 15 years of experience in K–12 math and science education, James brings a deep understanding of both the content and the realities of today’s classrooms. He’s known for delivering engaging, motivating presentations that connect with a wide range of audiences and for translating product features into meaningful classroom impact. James is passionate about supporting educators through professional learning, coaching, and e-learning, and he stays closely connected to curriculum trends and regional needs to ensure his work remains relevant and practical.

Related Math Topics: Instructional Technology/ Math Tools, Using Desmos Classroom in Schools

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Title: Building a Stronger Math Foundation: MTSS and Spring Math in Practice

Presenter(s): Lori Miller and Erin Minick

Room: Keystone

Description: Participants will learn about Spring Math and how it relates to MTSS and mathematics. A local school district will share its Spring Math implementation journey. 

Grade Level Focus: Elementary focus (K-6)

Bio(s): Lori Miller is a math coach for grades K-8 in the Middletown school district. She has also served as a third grade teacher in the same district. 

Erin Minick is an educational consultant for MTSS/Math. She has also taught first grade and served as an instructional math coach for grades K-5. 

Related Math Topics: Math Assessment, Math Data Analysis/ Interpretation

Presentation Resources:

Title: Supporting Students with Dyscalculia and Math Learning Disabilities

Presenter: Cynthia Allen-Fuss

Room: Meadow

Description: This presentation takes an in-depth look at dyscalculia, a mathematics learning disability that affects how individuals understand numbers, learn math concepts, and solve problems. Through simulation activities and a review of current research, participants will gain a clearer picture of what math learning difficulties can feel like for children. The session will highlight common signs of dyscalculia, examine conditions that often co-occur with it, including math anxiety, and discuss how these challenges manifest in everyday learning. Practical, evidence-based strategies will be shared to support both the academic and emotional needs of children with dyscalculia.

Grade Level Focus: Overall focus (K-12)

Bio: Cynthia Allen-Fuss, M.Ed., is a doctoral student in Cognitive Diversity in Education at Elmbridge University and a retired educator with more than 30 years of experience in public and private schools. She holds a master’s degree in special education and has extensive experience supporting neurodiverse learners across academic settings. As a parent of a child with dyscalculia, she brings a valuable firsthand perspective to her work and research.

Related Math Topics: Math Intervention, Social Emotional/ Math Anxiety, Students with Disabilities/ Struggling Learners/ Dyscalculia

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