Math manipulatives are tools that can help students of all abilities explore and understand math concepts. As noted by Anstrom (2006), “selecting and accessing the appropriate tools and processes for students with disabilities is critical to their understanding of mathematics” (p.11). Whether concrete or virtual, manipulatives can be supportive tools for learning. Try it at… Read More Math Manipulatives at Your Fingertips
Promoting Equity in Math through Classroom Discourse
The 2018 VDOE Mathematics SOL Institutes highlighted the importance of strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics through facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse. Why Discourse? Mathematical conversations and discourse among students, at all grade and ability levels, helps build a shared understanding of mathematical ideas (NCTM, 2014). Meaningful discourse supports metacognition and teaches students how to… Read More Promoting Equity in Math through Classroom Discourse
Rethinking “Calendar Time” for Preschoolers
Calendar is a staple of many preschool circle time routines and often justified as “math instruction” even though many of the skills targeted during calendar surpass Virginia’s standards for four-year-olds. Try the quiz below to see just how far. Hint: Research shows that temporal concepts like units of time (days, weeks) and their sequence… Read More Rethinking “Calendar Time” for Preschoolers
Not Only Calculators
It may not seem like it is testing season but preparing students to access state assessments is very important throughout the school year. To use an accommodation in a state testing environment, a student must have that accommodation justified and documented in their IEP or 504 Plan. It should be included in their daily instruction… Read More Not Only Calculators
New Math Resources from the VDOE
The 2016 Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning are now fully implemented and will be assessed starting in Spring 2018. The VDOE has resources available to support implementation of the 2016 standards. 2016 Mathematics Curriculum Framework Documents Updated Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework documents are available on the VDOE’s website. The updated curriculum documents include… Read More New Math Resources from the VDOE
Math Mindset
Jo Boaler (2013), a Mathematics Education Professor at Stanford University, describes a fixed mindset as the belief that either you’re smart or you’re not. On the other hand, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and smartness can be learned and that the brain can grow from exercise (Boaler, 2013). Teacher attitudes and mindset… Read More Math Mindset
Online Book Studies are Available
Teaching Inclusive Mathematics for Special Learners K-6 Would you like to: ¨ “See inside the heads” of students needing additional support? ¨ Have access to strategies and instructional techniques to help facilitate learning? ¨ Identify “look-fors” to help understand and observe student strengths and challenges? This book study will provide both general education and special… Read More Online Book Studies are Available