Elementary Mathematics
Professional Development Offerings only available on-site
and by request
Each of these workshops can be presented for your campus or your district.
Children’s Thinking in Measurement, Grades K-5
The biggest changes in the revised elementary TEKS were in the measurement strand. The workshop will center on the core ideas of measurement, and how these core ideas arise and are expressed as children solve problems in class.
Lesson Planning with New Textbooks, Grades K-5
Textbook adoptions for mathematics for school districts have taken place in the 2007-2008 school year. This consultation service provides teachers with assistance implementing their new textbook. The service will focus on implementing lessons that will appropriately address the TEKS, as well as best practices in the classroom using the new materials.
More Mathematical Fluency, Grades K-5
Researchers agree that the automatic recall of facts allows student’s thinking to be devoted to higher order thinking skills. Unfortunately, drill and practice have not been successful with all students. Participants will learn ways to teach the basic facts using brain-based strategies. This workshop can focus on addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, or both.
New Approaches to Traditional Computations, Grades K-5
Researchers have found that the teaching with the traditional computational methods consistently fail a large number of students. Evidence from student’s work exhibit that there approaches exist to enhance a student’s natural ability to solve problems and develop a deeper understanding of mathematics. Participants will learn new ways to teach the traditional computations such as “carrying” and “borrowing”. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division through problem solving will be emphasized.
Small Group Instruction: Not Just for Reading!, Grades K-5
To meet the ever present demands of the diverse learners in our classroom, guided reading – the practice of focused literacy instruction in a small group setting – has been standard practice in classrooms. As we strive to reach the demand of higher standards in mathematics, a similar approach to instruction can be beneficial to creating successful math students. In this session, participants will learn strategies and activities that are effective for implementing tailored small group instruction in mathematics
Structuring a Successful Mathematics Classroom
Student success is tied directly to what goes on between the teacher and the students in the classroom. Participants will examine effective, Marzano and other research-based classroom structure and practices, which are vital for students to understand and retain learned mathematical concepts. In combination with a Mathematics curriculum written to "teach the TEKS," and a scope and sequence created to teach the TEKS in an appropriate time frame and order, a framework of research-based instruction practices can create students who are competent and confident problem solvers.
TAKS Data Analysis as a Basis for Curriculum Planning
Participants will use a Data Analysis Tool, a released test (when available), an answer key, and their mathematical TAKS data to determine the basis of errors which occurred: content (Did I teach it?), context (Did I teach it the right way?), complexity (Was it taught at the correct level in Bloom’s Taxonomy?), or crossover (Is it a reading issue or a processing issue?) Participants will begin to develop an instructional intervention plan.
Understanding Algebra Through Patterns, Grades K-5
Understanding Algebra begins in kindergarten, and is built upon throughout the grades. It is an essential component to any mathematics curriculum. In fact, many times it is often misrepresented as an abstract and difficult subject for young students to master. However, research suggests that an understanding of patterns helps students with problem solving skills throughout their mathematical education. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of algebraic reasoning, and activities that will help incorporate these strategies into the elementary classroom.
Using the 5-E Model to Engage Students in Mathematics
The 5-E model was developed for instruction in the Science classroom, but is also an effective model for the Mathematics classroom. The Engage Phase creates interest and curiosity. Learning continues with Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration, and Evaluation.