Math Trailblazers

Norm KennedySEA – February 11, 2009

Math Trailblazers◦ Comprehensive, K-5 mathematics curriculum with problem

solving at its core

◦ Background National Science Foundation Grant TIMS (Teaching Integrated Math and Science) University of Chicago

◦ Standards and research based curriculum

◦ Structured so concepts and skills grow logically within each grade and across grade levels

Spiral concept

Guiding Principles

Comprehensive and balanced assessment program that is formative and summative

Teaches math facts and whole-number computation based on current research

Rigorous mathematics to all children

Teachers are facilitators rather than lecturers

Guiding Principles

Number and OperationsAlgebra

GeometryMeasurement

Data Analysis and ProbabilityProblem Solving

Reasoning and ProofCommunication

ConnectionsRepresentation

NCTM Standards

That they:◦ Learn to value math◦ Become confident in their ability◦ Learn to communicate◦ Learn to reason◦ Become mathematical problem solvers

These are also the goals of Math Trailblazers. This is what sets standards-based programs apart from the traditional.

NCTM Goals for Students

Connections to Science◦ Real problems occur naturally◦ Scientific investigation/method

Draw – Collect – Graph - Explore Connections to Language Arts

◦ Lessons emphasize reading, writing, and oral communication

◦ Original stories◦ Trade books recommended to accompany lessons◦ Journal and discussion prompts for every lesson

Measurement◦ Length, area, mass, time, volume, money

Hallmarks

We assess what we value

Assessment is integrated with instruction – guides the educational experience

Assessment gauges progress over time due to the “spiraling” nature

Multiple sources of information improve the validity of judgments about student learning

Assessment activities should be balanced to reflect all aspects of the curriculum

Guiding Principles for Assessment in Math Trailblazers

Portfolios Discussion Prompts Observational Assessment Written Assessments

◦ Assessment pages◦ Math journals◦ Assessment ideas for every lesson◦ Assessment lessons integrated within◦ Assessment labs◦ Assessment units◦ Open-ended problems◦ Tests◦ Facts assessment

Assessment ComponentsGrades K-5

Student rubrics appear beginning in grade 3◦ Knowing◦ Telling◦ Solving

Multidimensional rubrics for teachers to use to score one or more areas

Rubrics

Developing meaning for the operation

Inventing procedures for solving problems◦ Learn multiple strategies through discussion and modeling

Becoming more efficient at carrying out procedures◦ Lack of emphasis on rote work and timed tests

Developing mathematical power◦ The ability to understand when and how to apply

computational methods to solve problems.

Stages of Computation in MTB

Facts and concepts are not “gatekeepers” so students are not held back from trying something new until one concept is mastered.

Mental math and estimation is encouraged.

Multi-Year Approach

Parent letters with every unit

Home practice with every unit

Parent brochures, letters, and homework instructions in English and Spanish

Materials for parent involvement

A Just for Families page on the Web site

Working with Parents

Customized Implementation Plan Initial Training Institute Administrator Workshop Assessment Workshop Strategic Planning Institute Math Mentor Development Workshop Customizable On-site Training

Professional Development

Electronic Teacher Community◦ Online Message Boards◦ Live Chat◦ Forum to ask questions

TIMS Listserv Newsletter – “Voice”

Website: www.mathtrailblazers.com

Additional Support

Teacher Implementation Guide◦ Reference guide for teachers

Unit Resource Guide (URG)◦ All the lessons broken up into units books

Teacher Resource CD-ROM

A Spanish set of Letters Home

Blackline Master Book

Essential Literature Titles (Optional)

Teacher Components

Student Guides

Discovery Assignment Books

Adventure Books◦ Collection of illustrated stories

Manipulatives ◦ Chain links, connecting cubes, square inch tiles, pattern

blocks, 3-D geometric shapes, coins, bits, skinny’s, and flats, graduated cylinders, scales, etc…….

Student Components

K-5 Teacher Materials Kit - $395 per class Materials Kit - $400-1200 per class Student Guides - $30 consumable Adventure Book- $6 non-consumable Discovery Assignment Book $10 non-cons.

4th grade classroom (28 students) = $2800

http://www.kendallhunt.com

Cost