Mathematics

Unless otherwise specified, these titles are available to Region 10 teachers via the Online Learning Center (http://olc.region10.org) during the 2011-2012 academic year.

Algebra I EOC Success – Using the Graphing Calculator as a Tool for Multiple Representation and Problem Solving (8-10)
This online course will allow participants to examine the last released Algebra I EOC (2002), as well as TAKS items that address the Student Expectations that will be tested in the high stakes Algebra I EOC assessment. For each student expectation, strategies for using the graphing calculator as a tool for multiple representation and problem solving will be examined. Graphing calculators are useful tools that can enhance mathematics instruction, foster improved teaching and learning, and increase mathematical achievement (Dunman, 1999)

Becoming a STAAR in Mathematics: Moving from TAKS to STAAR (K-5, 6-8, 9-12)  NEW
With a new state assessment come new challenges. What changes need to be made to curriculum, local assessments, and instruction to lay the foundation for student success? How is STAAR different from TAKS? This 3-hour online training will address these questions as well as the implications of STAAR blueprints and the assessed curriculum documents provided by TEA. A framework for strategic lesson planning will also be examined to insure students acquire appropriate skills to be successful on STAAR.

Developing Algebraic Thinking in the Middle Grades (6-8)  
According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) 2000, students must think algebraically; be able to understand patterns, relations, and functions; represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols; use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships; and analyze change in various contexts. In addition, with the aid of technology, students can learn to use functions to model patterns of change, including situations in which they generate and represent real data. Through a series of investigation activities, participants will be able to help students make connections between arithmetic and algebra, and build proficiency with key algebraic concepts such as patterns, functions, and variables. This session will provide activities that can be completed by using tables, graphs, verbal descriptions, concrete or pictorial representations, or algebraic symbols to help students build their understanding of mathematical functions.

Exit Level Mathematics TAKS Success – Using the Graphing Calculator as a Tool for Multiple Representation and Problem Solving (11-12)
Students are allowed two tools to complete the Mathematics portion of the TAKS: a Mathematics Chart and a graphing calculator. This online course prepares teachers to help students succeed on the Exit Level Mathematics TAKS using the graphing calculator as a tool. Assessment items from the 2009 Exit Level Mathematics TAKS will be included. The content addresses problem solving using multiple representation, which leads to a deeper and more complex understanding of concepts tested on the Mathematics TAKS. Dunham found studies that concluded those students who use graphing calculator technology are better able to read and interpret graphs, understand global features, and relate graphs (Dunham, 1996).

Factors Are Our Friends (3-5)
According to the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics by NCTM, students should learn to develop an understanding of numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems. This online professional development session will allow participants to explore strategies to help students understand the relationships among factors, multiples, and prime and composite numbers.

Interactive Journaling in Mathematics (K-8)
According to Robert Marzano, some instructional strategies are more effective than others at increasing retention rates among students. Summarizing/note taking is one of Marzano's top nine most effective instructional strategies to increase student achievement. This online professional development session will provide participants with the tools to introduce interactive journaling which will enhance students' understanding of mathematics through writing.

Learning How to Share: Understanding Fractions in the Elementary Grades (K-5) NEW
In this session, particpants will recognize the importance of developing understandings over time by experiencing what it means to teach for conceptual understanding with fractions. Participants will learn the value of teaching mathematical ideas in a problem-solving context while using a hands-on approach to fractions.

Manipulatives – Connecting Concrete to Abstract (8-12)  NEW
Manipulatives help students develop conceptual understanding of a given mathematical concept. They provide a visual representation; help students make the connections to abstract ideas; make practice more meaningful; allow students to make connections to other mathematics concepts and relationships. This three-hour online professional development session will give participants the tools to make manipulatives an integral part of everyday instruction.

Meeting the Needs of All Learners (K-5, 6-8)  NEW

Today's teachers are faced with the challenge of diversifying classroom instruction. To meet the needs of all learners, teachers are required to instruct in a rich learning environment that provides children with multiple avenues for acquiring content, making sense of ideas, developing skills, and demonstrating what they know. According to Tomlinson, instructional approaches should vary and be adapted in relationship to individual and diverse students in the classroom. In addition, Burns, Heubert, and Levin believe students benefit from a multi-faceted approach to instruction. In this session participants will explore, experience, and be provided with a toolbox of instructional strategies and activities to meet the needs of all learners in the mathematics classroom.

Modeling Operations with Fractions (5-8)  NEW

An understanding of fractions is essential for the study of ratios, proportions, and rational equations.  Using manipulatives to model operations with fractions allows students to gain a conceptual understanding of fractions and operations with fractions.  This online professional development session provides the conceptual-representational-abstract connection to operations with fractions.

Questioning Strategies to Enhance Learning (6-8) 
The purpose of questioning as a cognitive strategy is to bring a student from limited understanding of a concept to complete understanding of a concept. According to Robert Marzano (2007), questions can stimulate engagement when used effectively. Therefore, an educator must reach into the learner's hidden levels of knowledge and awareness in order to help the learner reach new levels of thinking. Through the art of thoughtful questioning, teachers can extract not only factual information, but can aid learners in connecting concepts, making inferences, increasing awareness, encouraging creative and imaginative thought, aiding critical thinking processes, and generally helping learners explore deeper levels of knowing, thinking, and understanding of mathematics. In fact, questioning techniques can be one of the most flexible and adaptive tools in a teacher's arsenal.

Recursive Thinking as a Path to Linear Functions (8-12)
Students are good at recursive thinking. This workshop uses this strength as a path to teaching Linear Functions. This one-hour online professional development session will model how a teacher is able to use recursive thinking to deepen student understanding of rate of change and the y-intercept.

Resources and Activities for Algebra I Instruction and Intervention (8-10)  NEW
Algebra readiness is strongly supported by Texas Education Agency with a wealth of resources for instruction. In addition, valuable resources can be found on the internet. This online course provides resources for instruction in Algebra I as well as resources for intervention if students do not possess the algebra readiness skills necessary for success in Algebra I.

The 10 Building Blocks Critical for Understanding Ratios and Proportional Reasoning (6-8)  NEW
Ratios, proportions, and proportional reasoning are major content areas in middle school mathematics and are the foundations critical for subsequent mathematical experiences. Students must be able to distinguish among various types of problems and know when to apply a particular strategy. According to NCTM, students need an essential understanding of how ratios, proportions, and proportional reasoning relate to one another. These ten essential understandings of ratios, proportions, and proportional reasoning will be explored.

Mathematics Cadres

Fall 2011 Elementary Mathematics Cadre (K-5)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Fall 2011 Elementary Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.

Fall 2011 Middle School Mathematics Cadre (6-8)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Fall 2011 Middle School Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.

Fall 2011 High School Mathematics Cadre (9-12)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Fall 2011 High School Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.

Spring 2012 Elementary Mathematics Cadre (K-5)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Spring 2012 Elementary Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.

Spring 2012 Middle School Mathematics Cadre (6-8)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Spring 2012 Middle School Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.

Spring 2012 High School Mathematics Cadre (9-12)  NEW
For Mathematics educators who are unable to attend the Spring 2012 High School Mathematics Cadre, the powerpoint is provided for the latest legislative and TEA updates. Links are also provided to resources cited in the powerpoint and to Region 10 resources.