Middle School Mathematics Professional Learning Community

Check this page if you are unsure of the dates that ya'll have set. High School dates are the same for this group. If it is not here then there is no reserved space. Please bookmark. Thanks



http://www.partnership.appstate.edu/calendar.htm

OK - Our high school counselors are here this week. My bubble was burst this morning when I was informed that 8th graders do NOT get high school credit for algebra this year. Had we not been told at some point that students were now getting high school credit if they passed the EOC? Did I just pull that out of thin air? - If I did, the other algebra teacher here at WAMS and I are pulling things out of the same air.

Next question - has next Tuesday's meeting date been confirmed? Will we be discussing the integrated math curriculum? Is the meeting open to others who want/need info on IM?

Hi, everyone!
As you may recall, at the end of our last meeting, we began talking about Integrated Mathematics. I have a couple of leads on speakers and other information that can help us plan a couple of meetings this semester that will help us in continuing this discussion. What I'd like to ask is, if you have any particular questions or comments, would you post them here soon so that I can be sure that we take care of them? I know that IM is a secondary course, but having students go into these courses will have implications for middle grades instruction as well. It will be a worthwhile conversation for us all. Thanks!
Tracie

****************************************************
Tracie McLemore Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2376
****************************************************

We will check on these dates

Thanks, Debbie! I need to flip my calendar next time and actually look!


****************************************************
Tracie McLemore Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2376
****************************************************

Tracie,

The next meeting dates scheduled were February 24, March 24 and April 28. You had one out of 3! Good job (just kidding)! :) Everybody put these on your calendar!

Debbie
--
         * * * * * *
******** **********************
         Dr. Deborah A. Crocker
         Department of Mathematical Sciences
         Appalachian State University
         Boone, NC 28608

         e-mail: crockerda@appstate.edu
         office phone: 1-828-262-2381
         FAX: 1-828-265-8617
*******************************
         * * * * * *

PLC Communites:

Stipend payments for PLC meetings will be made as soon after the meeting as possible this semester. I will not be able to pay you at the end of the semester as I did last semester as stated in our contract because money needs to be expended as soon as possible in case of a reversion. I don't anticipate that funding for PLC meetings will be affected overall this year but I have to prepare for the possibility. Continue to do the good work you are doing in these committees. Thanks.

Meeting Minutes Jan 27, 2009

Attendance:
Karen Perry Amy Worley, Shera Ashley, Tracie McLemore Salinas

Met with the Secondary Math PLC at Broyhill

Notes:
Group discussed the changes in the secondary math ed program at ASU and offered suggestions and feedback
Discussion of several upcoming opportunities:
Speaking at PTMA on March 18th (or other dates in the future)
NCCTM conference for western region (info can be found at http://www.ncctm.org) Principals' Meeting to discuss new math/graduation requirements (all secondary/middle school principals from region counties invited. Meeting is on March 4. RSVP by February 24. Email Tracie Salinas or Katie Mawhinney for more info - mawhinneykj at appstate.edu or salinastm at appstate.edu) Integrated Mathematics discussion led to ideas for next meetings. Next meeting dates planned - Tuesdays, February 24, March 23, and April 21 or 28 (I'll double check that one).
Thank you to all who participated!




****************************************************
Tracie McLemore Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2376
****************************************************

Get well Loretta! We missed you last night.

We got feedback and reactions to some changes in the secondary
undergraduate curriculum at ASU. We made several other announcements.
One was the Western Region Math Conference on Saturday, February 21 at Jacobs Fork Middle School in Catawba County. You can speak and/or attend! Share the information with your colleagues. Let me know if you would like to speak.

Also, the Teacher Algebra Network is hosting a principals' meeting and discussion about graduation requirements on Wednesday, March 4 at Broyhill from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tracie can provide more information.
Get well!

Debbie

--
         * * * * * *
******* ***********************
         Dr. Deborah A. Crocker
         Department of Mathematical Sciences
         Appalachian State University
         Boone, NC 28608

         e-mail: crockerda@appstate.edu
         office phone: 1-828-262-2381
         FAX: 1-828-265-8617
*******************************
         * * * * * *

Sorry I will not make the meeting. We had a family visit to the family doctor yesterday. Both girls just have colds right now, but I have a sinus infection. So, I am in need of my next dose of antibiotics and a nap. Hope to see everyone next month.


Loretta Thomas
8th Grade Mathematics Teacher
West Alexander Middle School

Our Mission: West Alexander Middle School will create a community of life-long learners by challenging students to learn, achieve and reach success.
-----Original message-----
From: QT - qtopic-26-PEEWFEL3tEyN@quicktopic.com
Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:51:57 -0500
To: QT topic subscribers qtopic-subs@quicktopic.com
Subject: Middle School Mathematics Professional Learning Community
< replied-to message removed by QT >

HI, everyone!
My understanding is that there is a meeting today, the 27th, at 4:45 at the Broyhill. We have some planning and organizational kinds of tasks to do and some opportunities to share with you for the upcoming semester. See you then -
Tracie


****************************************************
Tracie McLemore Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2376
****************************************************

Since Loretta was unable to join us this evening (we're keeping our fingers crossed that baby arrived and all is well!), I'll post the middle grades info.
Members of the Middle Grades PLC who were present:
Karen Perry
Shera Ashley
Tracie McLemore Salinas

Notes:
We met at the Sagebrush as planned with the High School Group and discussed a few things: Follow up on Flatland and sharing the video
Some discussion on graduate programs and courses that are coming up Possible idea for a professional development opportunity in the spring; we'll work on a proposal for the Public School Partnership funding to support this Set our next meeting for January 13th at the Broyhill


****************************************************
Tracie McLemore Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-2376
****************************************************

Chrissy,

Our last meeting this semester is next Tuesday, December 16 at 4:45 p.m. at the Sagebrush in Boone. We have not set dates for spring yet. If you can join us, please come!

Debbie Crocker
--
         * * * * * *
******** **********************
         Dr. Deborah A. Crocker
         Department of Mathematical Sciences
         Appalachian State University
         Boone, NC 28608

         e-mail: crockerda@appstate.edu
         office phone: 1-828-262-2381
         FAX: 1-828-265-8617
*******************************
         * * * * * *

I am sorry that I have been unable to come to the meetings the first semester. We have had lots of family things going on. Anyways, I still plan on coming next semester. Can you please make sure that I get a list of the meeting dates. I have missed all of you! Good luck Tracie!! : ) Have a Great Day!! ?
Chrissy Young
Heritage Middle School
879-6341
"ICDATTCWSM"

________________________________

From: QT - Loretta Thomas [1] Sent: Mon 12/1/2008 1:15 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Middle School Mathematics Professional Learning Community









This email is for the sole use of the individual or entity to whom it has been addressed. If you are neither the intended recipient, nor an agent responsible for delivering this email to the intended recipient, any disclosure, retransmission, copying, or taking action in reliance upon the message contained herein is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, you should notify the sender immediately. All email correspondence to and from this address may be subject to the North Carolina public records law, which could result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement. < replied-to message removed by QT >

I am sorry that I have been unable to come to the meetings the first semester. We have had lots of family things going on. Anyways, I still plan on coming next semester. Can you please make sure that I get a list of the meeting dates. I have missed all of you! Good luck Tracie!! : ) Have a Great Day!! ?
Chrissy Young
Heritage Middle School
879-6341
"ICDATTCWSM"

________________________________

From: QT - Loretta Thomas [1] Sent: Mon 12/1/2008 1:15 PM
To: QT topic subscribers
Subject: Middle School Mathematics Professional Learning Community


< replied-to message removed by QT >

No baby yet! Not yet dilated to two as of last Friday.  Next
appointment is Friday morning if nothing happens before then.


Let me try the cut and paste. Sorry!


Group Questions


 



 


1. What do you expect college-ready freshmen to know regarding
math-ready skills? 

 

 - Equation solving
 - Complete understanding of order of operations
 -  Integers
 - Communicating mathematically
 - Justification of steps
 - Fractions
 - Problem solving skills,
 - Articulation and reflection of mathematical thinking
 - Basic competence with fundamental mathematics â€�“ i.e. algebra, trigonometric
 - Transcendental functions â€�“ non-calculator function intuition and visualization,
 - Appropriate use of calculators, problem solving skills
 
 - Other

 - Teamwork
 - Work ethic is vital to student success


 - What do you expect or think pre-service teachers should know
regarding math-ready skills?
 - Number systems
 - Student math knowledge retention
 - Teach more problem solving
 -  Innovative instructional techniques
 - Rapport with students
 - Willingness to incorporate technology.
 - More than one way to teach
 - Cognizant of mathematical alignment,
 - Know how math they took in college connects to what their HS
students need to master,
 - Understand what a professional mathematicians do and accomplish and appreciate.
 
To Professors   
What would you like math teachers to know regarding teaching this discipline at the university level?


 


 - Appropriate technology, textbook reading skills.
 - There is more than one way to solve a problem; be creative, we share the same challenges especially at entry level courses,
professors are willing and available to engage in professional
development discussions with HS teachers or visit classes and talk with students, AP calc credit isn’t always enough to prepare for calc II.

 


To High School Teachers
What would you like math teachers to know regarding teaching this discipline at the public school level?

 - State Mandated Curriculum Demands Pacing.
 - We are doing our best! We preach work ethic, future reading core is coming, under the bullet with EOC’s which can affect how and what concepts are taught.



Math Meet and Greet
“Sharing Conversations-Creating Solutions”

 


Action Ideas


 


 


Will any of the ideas discussed today be used in the future in your school?  Classroom?  If so, what were these ideas?



 


*Professors*

1.      I might discuss study skills and personal responsibility more at the beginning of my classes with mostly freshmen.  I will also stress our focus as problem â€�“ solving as opposed to certain skills.

2.      Yes â€�“ the teachers concerns about integrated math will be discussed among the math education faculty.

3.      Yes â€�“ work with pre-service teachers.

4.      Getting pre-service teachers to consider their part in this process of change.


 


*High School Teachers*


 


1.       App professor contacts for IM and staff development.
2.      Yes â€�“ more integration across curriculum.

3.      I will be sharing this discussion with the most of my department.

4.      Concentrate more on thinking skills, real world
applications and estimation.

5.      Our school will further discuss integrated math and
subjects weencourage students to take.

6.      Yes â€�“ express to them the importance of textbook
reading skills and learning how to read a mathematics textbook.

7.      Yes â€�“ ability to prepare independently form direct instruction.

8.      Yes â€�“ think about skills that better prepare students for college..

9.      Greater emphasis on non-calculator skills/competencies.  Criminals thinking/problem solving.

10.  I will capitalize on offers to collaborate with prove.
development.

11.  Yes â€�“ future ready core curriculum, limited use of calculator, building problem solving skills.



 



 



 


How do you see yourself being a part of this effort?



 


*Professors*


 


1.      Idea sharing as to what knowledge is useful to teach in high school.

2.      Helping get everyone talking.

3.      MSP partnership efforts and teacher professional
development. I would like for DPI/State Board of ED to have more
conversations with mathematics.

4.      Collaborations such as tonight’s meeting and PLC’s.
5.     Discussion in pre-service teacher courses.

6.      As facilitator and advocate for teachers.


 


*High School Teachers*


 


1.      Brining an alternative high school perspective to the discussion.

2.      Working withhigh school and ASU to transition DPI into appropriate curriculum choices.

3.      Encouraging pre-service and new teachers to incorporate discussed ideas.  Encouraging experienced teachers to modify their teaching.

4.      I see myself as a middle person to voice this
conversation to the rest of my faculty and continue the discussion with them.

5.      As amiddle grades teacher, I feel that I have been able to contribute information concerning basic math skills and content that is taught to prepare students for high school and college.

6.      I’ll share the information with other colleagues and students.

7.      I hope I contributed some new ideas for other teachers.
8.      Will probably teach some of these courses and will
probably help developcourses.

9.      Being able to input ideas from an ILT teacher.


 



 

__NEWLg basis?  If resources are needed, please provide these as well.


 *Professors *


 


1.      Maybea list-serve email.

2.      Dinners are a great way.

3.      PLC is good.

4.      Provide opportunities for us to visit each other when at work.

5.      Meetings like these â€�“ getting other levels ofpublic school faculty involve, LEA, superintendents, school boards, etc…
6.      Ability to meet together â€�“ particularly when large changes are coming.

7.      Financial incentives for teachers to attend.

8.      I think somehow we have to get beyond these discussions to action plans that make a difference.

High School Teachers


 


1.      Continuous opportunities for university and high school teachers to communicate.  IHE instructors visit public school
classrooms to better appreciate practitioners’ plight and better prepare pre-service teachers.

2.      Encourage meetings like this on a county level.  It appears the problem with math skills comes from mathematic skills that should be mastered at a lower level of education.  Hence county wide meetings among high school, middle grades, and elementary schools would be beneficial.


 



 


What would you like see to happen next?


*Professor Answers*


 


1.      Comments from conversations like this should be available to state-level officials setting education policy.

2.      Continued contacts and collaborations.

3.      Additional opportunities for discussion.

4.      More conversations â€�“ more info, DPI is essential.
5.      Include public school administrators in this process.
6.      I think somehow we have to get beyond these discussions to action plans that make a difference.


 


*High School Teachers*


 


1.      Possible forum for discussing ideas between HS and
University faculty, more meetings like this.

2.      More integrated discussions,more cooperation between DPI and everyone.

3.      Open conversation between DPI and IHE’s to align
expectations and curriculum HS and college align teacher prep programs with state course of study objectives and instructional strategies, staff development opportunities for veteran teachers in 21st century skills.

4.      Since many arguments are the same arguments I have heard for years, I wish the state would listen more to the concerns of
teachers than following through with agendas that do not coincide with the ideals of the people who actually spend time in the classroom withthe students.

5.      Follow-up (at least through email) about the partnership between high schools and ASU.

6.      Follow-up session and collaboration between high school and university.

7.      Get DPI on board.  Continue the discussions until DPI is willing to edit their perceptions of what needs to be taught and
measured. We will not be able to change everything we feel we need to, to help our students succeed.

8.      Possibly a seminar.




 



 

 


 

 



Loretta Thomas
8th Grade Mathematics Teacher
West Alexander Middle School

Our Mission: West Alexander Middle School will create a community of life-long learners bychallenging students to learn, achieve and reach success.