June+Mapping+Session,+5-8

Updates for 5-8 Math

Notes from June 4, 2010 meeting with Heidi Hayes Jacobs and MS Math Cabinet

Ms. Jacobs stressed that it is critcal to **teach Math as a language**. Students need to use the vocabulary and ask questions. Podcasting is a strategy used in many countries so that students can hear the lesson over again. Many districts are beginning to look at **ESL strategies to help students develop solid language skills**. A school in South Carolina is using Rosetta Stone in English for all students.

The role of assessments is critical. **Changes in curriculum won't make a difference until we link them with assessment. We need more formative assessment. We need more vertical unpacking of assessments and the information they provide.** One approach to assessment could be to give students math problems and have them translate the directions; focus on comprehension, not the answers. Have students generate questions. Assessments must be more verbal and visual. Students need to be able to explain. Because math is so abstract, it needs as many concrete representations as possible. Students could create demonstrations to show that they have acquired concepts.


 * In our district, socio-economic factors and English as a Second Language impact student performance. In addition, three elementary schools feeding into one middle school requires that we reach agreements on critical elements for student learning, assess each of those elements, and work vertically.**

Heidi Hayes Jacobs: //**Rondout Valley teachers' commitment to this work is awesome!**//