Performance Based Elementary Math

Session 8

This was a 2 hour session which completed our class.

Vertical Teaming groups were formed and using a created graphic organizer math categories were discussed.  Each group had each grade level (K-5) represented and they brought their CRCT Reference Guide so they could check standards for each grade level.

Here are the files created in Inspiration:

Group 1:  Download addition_and_subtraction.isf

Group 2:  Download multiplication_and_division.isf

Group 3:  Download fraction_and_decimals.isf

Group 4:  Download Money.isf

               Download place_value.isf

Group 5:  Download Measurement-complete.isf

This chart was filled in to see what grade levels focus on what areas of math and the point was made that we are all responsible for the success of our students.

Excel charts to compile information:

Download organizer.xls

That same graph on SmartBoard:

Download organizer.xbk

Session 7

The agenda for this class is attached.  Technology resources for supporting math were shared.

Download math_agenda_for_tuesday_feb_5th.doc

Session 6

The IMI Analysis Sheets for the 3rd nine weeks were completed.  Using these sheets small groups for math instruction were created, as well as lessons for each of the groups.  This was done in teams, so that varied styles could be incorporated.

Session 5

In order to promote small group instruction in math, the article Building a Teaching Bridge from Reading to Math  by Marilyn Burns (Leadership Compass, Winter 2005, Volume 3 Number 2) was used.  The performance task for each grade level team was to draw connections from small group instruction in reading to small group instruction in math.

Ideas from each team were shared with the whole staff and an awareness was created that small group instruction in reading and math are very similar and maybe not as difficult as we may think it is.

Session 4

Prior to this session teachers and classes for each teacher were established in Mega Math.  By logging in as a student, teachers were able to go in to their grade level and see what the students would see when they logged in.

They also had an opportunity to look at the Learning Site to see how that would support their math instruction.  The instructions for logging in your teachers and the students can be found to your left under "Using the Harcourt Mega Math".

Session 3

As we began this session teachers were asked to share with the staff one great thing that they have found in the new math adoption.

Math Exemplars (that we saved to a staff drive for all to access) were presented on the SmartBoard and discussion followed on how to use these as Performance Tasks. We also talked about how this could be used to Differentiate Instruction and extend those students who have shown mastery on the IMI's.

Session 2

The grade level teams looked at their IMI analysis forms that compiled the IMI information from their students and the second 9 week pacing guide for math.  Using the information from both of these sources, the grade level teams created their plan for the second nine weeks.  They went through the new math text and plotted lessons.  Attached is the end product for fifth grade for the second 9 weeks.  Great to share with other 5th grade teams in Cobb County.

Download second_nineweeks_planner.doc

Session 1

The following agenda will be followed for the first session of Performance Based Elementary Math class:

        1. Math Adoption Overview

        2. Online resources that are available with the adoption

        3. IMI analysis sheets will be completed.

Math Adoption Overview:

The math adoption has 2 parts, Harcourt and Think Math.  Harcourt is the main math program and Think Math was "given" to Cobb as an extra resource.The thing to keep in mind is the math text adoption should be used as a resource since there is no text that is absolutely aligned with the standards and since the use of a textbook is not performance based.  Opening up the text and doing it page by page is not best practice or performance based and is not in the best interest of our students in advancing their achievement.

Online Resources that are available with the adoption: Reference the Harcourt Math Online Resources Page to your left for a detail and sample parent letters to go home with your students informing parents how to get on the textbook and Learning sites.  Here is a quick guide on how to set up textbooks for your schools.  Download how_to_get_students_to_have_access_to_the_text_book.doc

IMI Analysis Sheets: These can be found on Picasso, by going to Curriculum and Instruction the math standards, clicking on the "IMI Teacher" on the pacing guide.  On the IMI teacher page you will see the "-----  Nine week analysis sheet".  Our teachers brought the IMI's completed by their students and plotted those on an analysis sheet for their grade level.  They were able to choose if they wanted to post the ones they had correct OR the ones they did not get correct, but not both.  This way it will be easier to determine their math groups and how they can differentiate instruction.