Archive for January 2014
In the educational assessment age, we are often perplexed by all of the different types of summative assessment. Teachers and educational curriculum writers often map our standards and curriculum to assessments rather than conversely mapping our assessments to our standards and curriculum. In short, though summative assessment is important, formative assessment in our classroom should guide each teacher’s instruction at all grade levels. I’d like to invite you to this year’s conference:
Mark the Date:
- Formative Assessment Classroom Techniques and Strategies (FACTS)
- Date: April 14
- Time: 5pm – 7pm
- Location: West Forest Intermediate School, 2801 Waverly Pkwy, Opelika, AL 36801
- Cost: $5.00 EACTM membership dues, attendance to conference, and pizza supper
- Go to www.eactm.com to pre-register for this event to save time registering
Call for Proposals
FACTS proposals should highlight the role formative assessment should play in the mathematics classroom and offer practical opportunities for teachers to use formative assessment to guide instruction. Some of the formative assessment strategies that we would like to emphasize in K-12 instruction should be built around William and Thompson’s (2007) processes:
1. Establishing where learners are in their learning
2. Establishing where they are going
3. Establishing how to get there
Sessions should last approximately 45 minutes and highlight Alabama College and Career Readiness Standards and Mathematical Practices. Session presenters will all be given equal gifts for their service to the greater mathematical community. Deadline for proposals is March 1. Go to www.eactm.com to submit your proposal.
Free articles that may help you know what EACTM is looking for in presentations:
- Discovery Ed’s America’s Top Young Scientist
Discovery Education and 3M are looking for innovative students who want to make a difference in today’s world. Can your students in Grades 5-8 create a 1-2 minute video showcasing their big idea to solve a real-world problem using science and engineering? Ten national finalists will have the chance to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences and win amazing prizes, such as a 1-on-1 mentorship with a 3M scientist, $25,000, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Check out all the great prizes up for grabs at www.YoungScientistChallenge.com along with all other details!
- NASA Space Math
The SpaceMath@NASA resource introduces students to the use of mathematics in today’s scientific discoveries. Through press releases and other articles, you will explore how many kinds of mathematics skills come together in exploring the universe. Lots of free materials and many use a TI graphing calculator. Please visit http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov to check out the wonderful activities and resources.
- Toshiba America Foundation
This grant contributes to science & math education by investing in teacher designed projects for students in grades 6-12. Grant requests for $5,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis, throughout the calendar year. Grant requests for $5,000 or more are accepted and reviewed twice a year – August 1st and February 1st each year. Please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taf and apply now! Good luck!
- PBS Learning Media
PBS is looking for 100 of America’s most innovative educators! Selected educators will receive one year of PD including virtual training, exclusive resources and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC. Please visit http://ket.pbslearningmedia.org/collection/digitalinnovators/ for all details and how to apply.
- Texas Instruments Conference
Register now for the T³ International Conference in Las Vegas, March 7-9, 2014 and help celebrate 25+ years of connecting teachers and technology. Math and Science educators from around the world will connect in Las Vegas in March, and the energy, know-how and materials they take back to their schools will ignite exceptional learning environments in their classrooms. Please visit http://education.ti.com/en/us/professional-development/t3-las%20vegas for more info. Early Bird and Pre Service discounts are available!
Hello Everyone
The TEAM-Math and AMSTI Professional Mathematics Learning Communities project is pleased to offer a great professional development opportunity for teachers who teach mathematics. We will hold a “Formative Assessment & Discourse in the Era of the College and Career Readiness Standards” meeting on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Haley Center, Auburn University. A flyer with the meeting information is attached.
Teachers who are a part of the TEAM-Math and AMSTI Professional Mathematics Learning Communities project will receive a $50.00 stipend. Teachers who are not a part of the project may attend and receive professional development at no cost, but will not receive a stipend. Please contact Lisa Ross via email at rosslis@auburn.edu or fax (334) 844-0124 by Tuesday, January 21, 2014.
East Alabama Council for Teachers of Mathematics 