9:30-10:15

Diamond 1: Connecting The Dots Through Grit in the Math Classroom -- Low graduation rates among at-risk students remains a concern to education policymakers and practitioners. With 2 million students dropping out of schools, and 2022 NAEP data revealing a national decline in math scores, this has affected underserved students’ abilities to dare to dream big in the math classroom. In Dr. White’s qualitative study on “Understanding Persistence”, participants perceived that there were six areas that shaped their persistence through school, which will be discussed in this presentation. The findings of this study correspond with other research on student persistence, including research indicating the critical role of social support and grit in shaping persistence in school. The results of these findings caused Dr. White to craft a G.R.I.T. Framework that will support all students and educators with the goal of helping students thrive and educators succeed at helping students achieve through G.R.I.T. Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Framework will provide educators with the tools needed to connect the dots and thrive in relationship building with students. Learning Objectives Attendees will walk away with a greater understanding of how they can connect with their students and motivate them to dream while exceling in math class. As the information from this presentation, the G.R.I.T. Framework, and educator workbook is applied, attendees will notice students will have with a greater sense of belonging, math identity, and greater results in persistence, causing an overall improvement in academic achievement. (General)

Diamond 3: Active Learning Strategies to Enhance Numeracy -- Active mathematics learning, supported by educational and brain-based research, helps students focus, problem-solve, reduce math anxiety, and increase learning, retention, and motivation. In this engaging presentation, participants explore practical, play-based, kinesthetic strategies that boost fluency, strengthen number sense, increase engagement, and address unfinished learning. Educators gain insight into the research behind movement-based instruction, hear real-life classroom examples, and experience activities firsthand. Attendees leave with ready-to-use, movement-based math activities that make abstract concepts concrete, joyful, and accessible—while supporting confidence, collaboration, creativity, curiosity, perseverance, and joy. (PK-5)

Diamond 6: From Subitizing to Fluency: Practical Routines for Building Lasting Number Sense -- Early learners don’t need more flashcards—they need stronger number sense. In this interactive session, explore how subitizing and simple classroom routines build the foundation for lasting fact fluency. Discover strategies that help young students see numbers, move beyond counting, and develop efficient thinking. Leave with practical, ready-to-use routines for building flexible, confident mathematicians. (PK-2)

Diamond 8: Actively Learn to Teach Math with Active Learning -- Experience active learning as your students would while building strategies you can use right away in your math classroom. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll engage in cooperative problem-solving, group tasks, and classroom routines you can use immediately. We’ll focus on building a classroom culture that supports mastery, collaboration, and active participation. (General)