Program Manager's Message:
Happy March! This month is special for a number of reasons, and I'm sure that most of you immediately thought of the second Tuesday (this year): March 14th, declared International Pi Day by our colleagues at the United Nations. There's a great deal of info online, including the link I put in the previous paragraph -- it's worth reading that page if for no other reason than to find out why Dr. Shetty fell in love with mathematics over its elegance and presence in repetition. The constant has a fascinating history, being "discovered" by the ancient Greeks and matched with its current symbol by Euler. More can be found here at the University of St. Andrews site.
There are quite a few famous birthdays in March! Most of us know that Albert Einstein was born on Pi Day, as is fitting for the very icon of intellectual prowess. Also born in March, though, was René Descartes, after whom our favorite (for most of us) coordinate system was named, on March 31. March 23rd is the birthday of Laplace, whose vector transformations haunted some of my postsecondary nights. Gerardus Mercator was born March 5, and Joseph Fourier was born March 21, as were so many others listed here at the Born Glorious site.
Speaking of March 21, it's often fun to discuss the vernal equinox. Granted, the equinox this year is actually on March 20 -- a difference that may be fun to discuss with students. It's one of my favorite days of the year, personally, with the rate of change of daylight time at its highest point. The change in sunrise and sunset times is truly spectacular around then. That's a useful phenomenon, by the way, to use to discuss the difference between rates of change of daylight (highest at the equinox) and amounts of daylight (highest at the solstice).
It's also, of course, the month most of you will be enjoying a lovely and restful (maybe?) Spring Break.
No matter what you enjoy March for, I hope you have a great one!
Stephen
Upcoming Professional Development
Collaboration Meetings
Do you want to network with other math teachers across the state? What about an opportunity to share questions you have for KSDE? Do you want to brainstorm ideas on implementing effective teaching practices? Then join our monthly collaboration meetings.
Math Curriculum Leaders Collaboration
March 28, 3pm (Zoom Registration Link)Math Teacher Collaboration
March 28, 4pm (Zoom Registration Link)
KSDE Career, Standards and Assessment Services (CSAS) team is seeking individuals to join the 2023 KSDE Teacher Leaders group.
If you have questions, please contact KSDE's Math STEM Program Manager, Dr. Stephen King at sking@ksde.org.
Join the KSDE MATH Teacher Leader Team
Do you want to make an impact in math education across the state of Kansas? Join the Teacher Leaders Team!
KSDE teacher leaders provide content and pedagogical expertise in standards and assessments and deliver high-quality, dynamic professional development that incorporates practicable educational advances.
Teacher leaders also:
Facilitate and provide review feedback that is authentic, constructive and actionable.
Create authentic and constructive products to strengthen best practices within the discipline.
Elevate, empower and train teachers within the professional education community.
Promote the education profession.
Successes Around the State
KSDE Math PLC
Getting Kids to T.H.I.N.K. in Math
Math teachers across Kansas were learning together and networking in getting students to think in math classrooms.
"Effective teaching of mathematics engages students in solving and discussing tasks that promote mathematical reasoning and problems solving and allow multiple entry points and varied solution strategies." (Principles to Action)
KAMLE Conference
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Math teachers at the Kansas Association of Middle Level Educators (KAMLE) conference did not want to stop doing a thinking task!
"The goal of building thinking classrooms is not to find engaging tasks for students to think about. The goal of building thinking classrooms is to build engaged students that are willing to think about the any task." (Building Thinking Classrooms)
Call for Content
Are you doing something amazing in your classroom that you would like to share with others? Please submit ideas to sking@ksde.org to be showcased next month.
School districts will have access to virtual math resource at no cost.
The Kansas State Department of Education announced it has contracted with IXL Learning to provide schools with a free supplemental instructional program that can help Kansas students improve their math skills.
IXL’s math along with professional development for educators, will be available at no charge to all Kansas accredited public and private schools, K-12, through June 30, 2024.
Expected Schedule:
6:00-7:00PM
March 23
Discuss Chapters 7 and 11
April 13
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Chapters 7 and 11
Reflection
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Past Meetings:
October 6, 2022
Discuss Toolkit 1 (Chapters 1-3)
October 27
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 1 (Chapter 1-3)
Give assignment to read Chapters 4-6
November 17
Discuss Toolkit 2 (Chapter 4-6, Intro to 9)
Collaborate
Put together resources
December 8
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 2 (Chapter 4-6,9)
Give assignment to read Chapters 8, 9, 10
February 2
Discuss Chapters 8,9,10
Implementation of Toolkit 1 and 2, 3
February 23
Collaboration and Practice Sharing around Toolkit 3 (Chapters 8,9,10)
Give assignment to read Chapter 7 and 11
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OFFICE HOURS are available every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00PM outside of the Practice Sharing Sessions. Register for our Office Hours here to get additional support!
K A T M Corner
At this all-day conference, participants will network with preschool through post-secondary educators and select breakout sessions in the following strands:
Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices
Math Connections in STEAM
Math and Social-Emotional Learning or Trauma-Informed Practices
Addressing the Needs of Students with Learning Exceptionalities
Join us on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Emporia State University for our annual math conference.
Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Graduate-level credit will be available.
Go to our events page to register! www.katm.org/events
Please note: For those paying with a PO, that option will be available soon.
Math Teaching Tools & Practices
Happy Pi day!
While many schools will find themselves on Spring Break on March 14th, here are some ideas of ways to celebrate with students when you are together!
Explore different ideas from Exploratorium
We Are Teachers materials that help bring out the inner math geek in us
Strategies to Enhance Student Engagement
This webinar session will begin by exploring specific strategies to engage students in learning mathematics. Then, mathematical tasks in different content areas, which are designed to provide opportunities for rich discourse and student engagement, will be shared. Applications to the classroom will be discussed.
Supporting Mathematics Teachers to Use Authentic Tasks in Their Classrooms
This is a webinar that presents examples of authentic tasks that have been developed in the context of European projects with a focus on the mathematical processes and practices that can be developed through these tasks. They also provide a short review of the research literature of the different types of authentic tasks and of the ways of managing these tasks in the classroom focusing on the modeling process and emphasizing the processes involved in students’ work as well as the complex relationship between reality and mathematics. Finally, issues related to our work with teachers while designing and implementing authentic tasks will be addressed.
Elementary Tools & Practices
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Rules that Expire in Elementary Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 13 Rules that Expires in Elementary Math Classrooms.
Greg Tang Math
Tang Math provides many resources: books, games, problem generators etc. Greg Tang works with some of the highest performing and most improving schools and districts in the country. He is the NY Times best-selling author of The Grapes of Math, gold medal eBook Math Appeal, and 6 other books from Scholastic.
Mathematics Vocabulary Cards
Mathematics Vocabulary Cards contains math vocabulary cards for Kindergarten through 8th Grade and Secondary 1 Mathematics. These cards can also be found in Spanish, Chinese, and French under the Dual Immersion menu. Portuguese, German, and Russian vocabulary cards are located at the following website: USOE Dual Immersion Vocabulary Cards
Inside Mathematics
The Inside Mathematics Problem Solving problems are non-routine math problems designed to promote problem-solving in your classroom. Each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematics complexity.
Slides and Jamboard Template
Have you seen Mrs. Park Shine's freebies? Run and check out her amazing slides and Jamboard templates.
K-5 Math
K-5 Math great site that contains K-5 teaching resources. Their mission is to transform the teaching and learning of mathematics, improving outcomes for all students in elementary and middle school.
Open Middle Tasks
Real World Tasks: Have you used Robert Kaplinsky's Open Middle Tasks and Real-World Problems? Great resources of math tasks that promote problem solving and reasoning.
Geogebra + Illustrative Mathematics
Do you use Illustrative Mathematics to supplement lessons ad GeoGebra as a tool? Access free Illustrative Math in GeoGebra now!
Secondary Tools & Practices
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Click the arrow on the right to access information for elementary teachers and classrooms.
Rules that Expire in Middle School Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 12 Rules that Expires in Middle School Math Classrooms.
Rules that Expire in High School Math Classroom
"Overgeneralizing commonly accepted strategies, using imprecise vocabulary, and relying on tips and tricks that do not promote conceptual understanding can lead to misunderstanding late in students' math careers." -Karp, Bush, Dougherty
Here are the 15 Rules that Expires in High School Math Classrooms.
Dan Meyer's Three-Act Math
This site is a spreadsheet with links to approximately 60 lessons that each linked to one or more grade 6 through high school Common Core Math Standards and one or more Standards for Mathematical Practice.
Online Calculator Apps
Desmos Graphing Calculator - Graph functions, plot data, evaluate equations, explore transformations, and much more – for free! Also available as an app on Google Play and Apple App Store
Calculate84 - a graphing calculators for iPhones
CALC 84 - a graphing calculator 83/84
Wabbitemu - creates a Texas Instruments graphing calculator right on your Windows, Mac, or Android device.
Inside Mathematics
The Inside Mathematics Problem Solving problems are non-routine math problems designed to promote problem-solving in your classroom. Each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematics complexity.
Desmos Classroom Activities
Access digital math activities that engage students into problem solving, thinking and reasoning. Premade Desmos activities are available but teachers can create their own.
Open Middle Tasks
Real World Tasks: Have you used Robert Kaplinsky's Open Middle Tasks and Real-World Problems? Great resources of math tasks that promote problem solving and reasoning.
Geogebra + Illustrative Mathematics
Do you use Illustrative Mathematics to supplement lessons ad GeoGebra as a tool? Access free Illustrative Math in GeoGebra now!
Additional Opportunities from Outside KSDE
STEAM Flier 2023.docx.pdf
Teaching the Youcubed Summer Camp Curriculum
This workshop focuses on the curriculum and teaching approach developed by youcubed that improved students’ scores on standardized mathematics tests by an average of 50% (equivalent to 2.8 years of school). A study of teachers implementing the program across the US showed a significant increase in student mathematics achievement after camp and in the following school year. The workshop content is appropriate for anyone interested in running a youcubed-inspired summer camp or using a Mathematical Mindset teaching approach during the school year. Participants will receive a certificate verifying 10 Professional Development Hours (1 CEU). Each workshop includes:
Opening and closing sessions with Jo Boaler
A copy of our curriculum (available for grades K-1, 2-3, 4-5, and 6-9) and other materials to support summer camp implementation
Two days of professional development focusing on mindset mathematics content and pedagogy
Register HERE.
Grassroot Math Workshop
Do you enjoy Marian Small's (@marian_small) Open Questions? She takes a traditional problem and opens up parts that lead to interesting explorations and math conversations.
Do you want to learn more about it? She's got an online workshop about creating & using open questions: https://grassrootsworkshops.com/workshops/how-to-create-and-use-open-questions-in-math-class
T³ Regional Summits
Each regional summit offers a variety of interactive sessions, and you can select those that interest you the most.
Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance, which may be accepted for school or district continuing education credit.
First Educational Resources: "Help! They Don't Know Their Facts!" Moving beyond Memorization by Developing Fact Fluency
Have you ever wondered why students don’t know their basic facts? We have all had that thought, “if they just knew their facts…” So, what if they did know their facts, and it was built by constructing relationships with numbers and by using models and strategies that promote conceptual understanding? In this 90 minute virtual session, we will explore the difference between fluency and memorization, barriers, and how to build fact fluency through conceptual understanding and developing students’ number sense.
Shelly Daun and Amanda Ironside have many years of experience working with teachers to successfully meet the diverse mathematical needs of their students by providing teachers with increased knowledge of how students learn math and what teachers can do to move their students along a continuum of deeper understanding. Click here to learn more about the it.
First Educational Resources: Leveraging Small Group Instruction
Small group instruction allows teachers to understand their student’s instructional strengths and areas of need. This allows teachers to tailor lessons that meet students where they are along their journey of learning and understanding mathematical concepts. Individualized attention towards students boosts confidence and provides an environment where students feel comfortable with risk-taking, asking questions and receiving feedback to their learning. This series will provide teachers with many tools to build their “tool box” to meet the needs of the diverse learners in their classrooms through small group instruction.
Shelly Daun and Amanda Ironside have many years of experience working with teachers to successfully meet the diverse mathematical needs of their students by providing teachers with increased knowledge of how students learn math and what teachers can do to move their students along a continuum of deeper understanding. During this series, Amanda and Shelly will share practical small group instructional tools and activities that teachers can use instantly in their classroom to leverage student success and conceptual understanding of various mathematical concepts. Click here to register.
First Educational Resources: Productive Struggle: Strategies and Tasks for Promoting Perseverance in Your Mathematics Classroom
In this 90-minute session, participants will explore the meaning of productive struggle and how it encourages risk-taking in the classroom. We will learn the importance of valuing perseverance, how mental stamina can be built through problem solving and how identifying multiple entry points to a task increases engagement and helps identify and maximize potential. In this session, we will investigate strategies and tasks that provide students with the appropriate level of challenge from a mathematics lens. Register here.
NCTM Webinar Library
Did you know that the National Council of Teaching Mathematics has a webinar library on recent shifts in Math Teaching practice? Check out their topics here.
Grow Your PLN!
Math Education Organization
Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics (KATM)
KATM is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics whose mission is to foster engaged community to advance effective practices in teaching and learning mathematics throughout Kansas.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
NCTM advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.
Its Strategic Framework includes Teaching and Learning, Access, Equity and Empowerment, Building Member Value, and Advocacy.
NCSM Leadership in Education
NCSM is the premiere mathematics education leadership organization. Our bold leadership in the mathematics education community develops vision, ensures support, and guarantees that all students engage in equitable, high-quality mathematical experiences that lead to powerful, flexible uses of mathematical understanding to affect their lives and to improve the world.
Twitter
KSDE Teacher Leader
They are amazing tools for personalized professional learning and great communities to network with other educators and leaders. Check out @KSDETCHRLEADERS and @KATMWebmaster on twitter and Kansas Association of Teachers of Mathematics on Facebook. #KSMath
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics
Want to network with other math educators and leaders about Building Thinking Classrooms? Follow Dr. Peter Liljedahl, the author of BTC in mathematics, and you'll find tons of math educators and leaders to collaborate with.
Another great BTC resource is the BTC Facebook page where teachers share tips, ideas, success stories, and ways to address some challenges and struggles.
Podcasts
Making Math Moments that Matter
Looking for a good math podcast? Wondering how to create a classroom culture where students don't want to stop exploring mathematics when the bell rings? Kyle Pearce from TapIntoTeenMinds.com and Jon Orr from MrOrr-IsAGeek.com team up to uncover how we can Make Math Moments That Matter for every student in the math classroom from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Discover how you can build easy to plan and fun to deliver maths lessons that kids will not only love but also learn from using the Making Math Moments That Matter 3-Part Framework.
The Build Math Minds
The Build Math Minds podcast is for my fellow Recovering Traditionalists out there. We are math educators who used to teach math the traditional way. Flip lesson by lesson in the textbook, directly teaching step-by-step how to solve math problems.
But now, we are working to change that to a style of teaching math that is fun and meets our students where they are at, not just teaching what comes next in the textbook. We want to encourage our students to be thinkers, problem solvers, and lovers of mathematics.
Shake Up Learning
WHAT: The Shake Up Learning Show is a weekly podcast hosted by Kasey Bell.
The show features a variety of episodes for K12 teachers and educators, including tech tips, lesson ideas, practical advice, on-air coaching, student interviews, and interviews with inspiring educators.
WHEN: New episodes are released every Tuesday.
HOW: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, iHeart, or any of your other favorite podcatchers. You can also stream on ShakeUpLearning.com.