Math Professional Learning Community

Oct 22, 2019 9:30AM—2:30PM

Cost $1,350 members; ($2,025 non-members)

Categories Curriculum & Pedagogy, Ongoing Program

Math Professional Learning Community

In this ongoing program, participants will investigate strategies for engagement, creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Come be a part of a community of thoughtful math teachers and learners that will explore innovative ideas and captivating tasks to make math class matter to our students.

SESSION 1: October 22, 2019 at The Archer School

SESSION 2: December 5, 2019 at The Archer School

SESSION 3: January 28, 2020 at The Archer School

SESSION 4: March 10, 2020 at The Archer School

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Mathematics is a rich and exciting subject, yet many of our students struggle to feel excitement, to think deeply, and to explore. How do we create engaging math classrooms where students are at the center of the learning and all students feel safe to participate? In this program, we will investigate strategies for engagement, creativity, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Come be a part of a community of thoughtful math teachers and learners that will explore innovative ideas and captivating tasks to make math class matter to our students.

This program is aimed at 6th - 12th grade math teachers, though others are welcome to attend.

SCHEDULE

Session 1

Date: October 22, 2019

Time: 9:30am-2:30pm

Student Engagement and Conceptual Understanding

The first session will focus on developing math lessons to increase student engagement and strengthen conceptual understanding. We will explore and experience a variety of rich, student-centered tasks and analyze the tools and structures for facilitating these tasks. A range of resources to “spice up” our lessons will be shared, and we will support each other in crafting quality activities for upcoming classes.

Session 2

Date: December 5, 2019

Time: 9:30am-2:30pm

Up for Debate! Building Debate Routines in STEM Classrooms

Debate and classroom discussion have often been staples in the humanities classroom. However, research informs us that classroom conversations are crucial for student learning all subjects. Debate activities are known to increase student achievement and understanding, and the Common Core Standards for Math encourage students to make and defend their claims. Let’s explore ways to make it a part of your classroom culture!

In this interactive day, we will experience ways to incorporate debate into everyday math lessons, from warm up routines to classroom activities to summative assessments. We will start by learning some simple structures and routines for creating a classroom culture where students are empowered to discuss and debate math concepts. Then, we will build on these structures to create classroom activities--small and large--that engage students of all levels. Come ready to argue, scowl and show off your debating skills!

Session 3

Date: January 28, 2020

Time: 9:30am-2:30pm

Assessment and Feedback

During this session, we will explore best practice and the latest research on feedback and assessments to promote student learning in math. Combining research with our practice, we will answer questions around the most effective ways to check for understanding and promote student growth. We will look at some variations on homework, grading, formative assessment and summative assessment in an effort to determine effective applications for our classrooms.

Session 4

Date: March 10, 2020

Time: 9:30am-2:30pm

Curiosity, Creativity, and Inclusivity in the Math Classroom

During our final session of the year, we will bring all our ideas together to focus on the student. How do we develop curious and creative mathematicians? How do we maintain inclusive classrooms where all students feel comfortable participating in math activities? What are the best ways to promote a growth mindset so that all students can “experience the wonder, joy and beauty” of mathematics?

FACILITATOR

Chris Luzniak

Chris Luzniak is currently a math teacher and department chair at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles. His 15 years of teaching mathematics began in New York City public schools, where he also founded and coached the Speech and Debate team. Through this combination of teaching and coaching, Chris has worked to develop discussion and debate routines that bring student voice and discussion into the math classroom. He coaches teachers in both math and science to develop discussion activities for their classes. Some of his work can be seen at luzniak.com, and is currently being published by Stenhouse Publishers.

LOCATION

Cancellation Policy

Life happens. We understand that there will be times when you cannot attend a workshop that you have registered and paid for. We strive to be as helpful and flexible as possible when things out of your control happen. Please visit our FAQ page for detailed information about our cancellation policy and answers to frequently asked questions about enrollment and membership.