SLALN Math Meet
2024 General Math Meet Dates
D1 and D2 on Jan. 8 - UW Whitewater
D3 and D4 on Jan. 9 - UW Whitewater
2024 MEGA Math Meet Dates
7th and 8th Grade on May 21 - Madison College
5th and 6th Grade - May 23 - UW Madison
Math Meet Program Goals
To stimulate interest in mathematics.
To recognize exceptional mathematical talent.
To provide a healthy academic environment.
Support the National Council Of Teachers of Mathematics Standards.
Students in 5th through 8th grade in each school district in the area have the opportunity to compete in an area math meet. Students may be selected by administering the Math Meet Screener, by district or standardized test scores or by teacher recommendation. Teams consist of four students from each grade level. Each gender should be represented on the eight member team. Regional Math Meets are held to determine which teams will go on to the Mega Math Meet.
National Council Of Teachers of Mathematics
The NCTM Standards reflect the importance that society places on reasoning and problem solving and research in how children learn. The Standards recommend strengthening mathematics teaching and learning by shifting practice in multiple areas: Curriculum-shifting toward a deeper study of mathematical concepts and a broader study of mathematical content areas, along with their uses in today's world. Learning-shifting toward more active student involvement with mathematics and the use of a variety of appropriate mathematical tools for solving problems. Teaching- shifting toward creating classrooms that are stimulating learning environments in which all students have the opportunity to reach their full mathematical potential. Assessment-Shifting toward assessment that is ongoing, continuous, and multifaceted."
NCTM 97-98 Handbook, NCTM Goals, Leaders & Position Statements;
•to develop a deep conceptual understanding in order to make sense of mathematics. Students need to know not only how to apply skills and knowledge, but also when to apply them and why they are being applied.
• to master specific knowledge necessary for its application to real problems, for the study of related subject matter, and for continued study in mathematics.
•to learn & view math as a way of thinking about and interpreting the world
•to recognize that mathematics is a creative part of human culture in much the same way as music or fine art.
Historic Description
The SLALN Math Meet is a program borrowed from the Dane County Talented and Gifted Coordinators Network. The original program began in the Sun Prairie Area School District in 1981 and was coordinated by Tom Bindl, fourth grade teacher, and Gary Hanson, high school math teacher. The purpose of the Math Meet at that time was to recognize and encourage exceptional mathematical talents. WTN held it’s own Math Meets and Mega Math Meets for several years, until there was no one to coordinate the program. During the 04-05 school year, the need for a high-level math competition was strongly felt and people rose to the challenge of again coordinating the program.