In the World of Mathematics
May 1st, 2024
Curriculum Department's Math Opportunities
What to Expect
Embark on a journey of mathematical excellence with our comprehensive suite of math offerings designed to elevate teaching practices and enrich student learning experiences. Whether you're seeking targeted training in specific areas or a collaborative platform to exchange ideas and resources, our math programs cater to diverse needs and aspirations.
Math Trainings:
- Word Problems and Open-Ended Responses: Dive deep into strategies for effectively teaching word problems and nurturing students' abilities to craft open-ended responses, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Engaging Students in Mathematics: Explore innovative approaches and interactive techniques to captivate students' interest and deepen their engagement with mathematical concepts.
Customized Offerings: In addition to our standard offerings, we provide tailored training sessions to meet the unique needs of your district. Choose from a range of topics such as:
- Building Blocks (Early Numeracy and Number Sense): Lay a strong foundation for mathematical understanding in early learners through targeted interventions and instructional practices.
- Struggling Math Learners: Equip educators with strategies to support students who face challenges in mathematics, fostering inclusivity and academic growth.
Curriculum Mapping and Standards Alignment: Collaborate with us to map math instruction and ensure alignment with standards, ensuring coherence and rigor in your curriculum.
Networking Opportunities: Participate in our four math networking meetings, where math educators from across the Intermediate Unit come together to exchange best practices, share resources, and collectively enhance math instruction across the region.
Annual 24 Math Challenge: Engage students in a thrilling mathematical competition that challenges their problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency, held annually in April.
Math Resource Site: Access a wealth of free resources, tools, and information through our math resource site, empowering educators with valuable support for their instructional endeavors.
Join us on the journey to transform math education, empower educators, and inspire mathematical excellence in every student. If you are interested in a topic below, click on the link for the SMORE and it will take you to additional information.
Math Trainings Scheduled for the 2024-2025 School Year
Word Problems and Open Ended Responses
This is a one day training focused on solving every day word problems, and then transferring those skills to solve open ended responses. This is an interactive training that will engage learners and have them leaving with strategies they can implement the next day into their math instruction.
Engaging Students in Mathematics
This one day training will walk attendees through various activities to help spark student engagement in the math classroom. Participants will complete activities and create some of their own so that there is no time wasted in implementing them in their classroom.
Universal Design for Learning
This trainings is not a math specific training; however, it will be beneficial to math teachers. There will be a variety of resources shared to help include UDL in every classroom, which include math!
Previously Offered Math Trainings
Building Blocks for Math
This is a 2 part series that can also be taken individually. The series will focus on Early Numeracy, Building Number Sense and Numerical Fluency, as well as teaching these skills through the use of games. This training is focusing on building those basic math skills for students in Pre-K to Second Grade. This is also a great series for an Instructional Coach in the district to attend, and then share out ideas to the grades that it would best fit.
Filling the Gaps in Math, Middle Level Learners
This asynchronous series will focus on the needs of Middle School Learners, grades 6-8, but many of the activities and information can be used for higher and lower grades as well. The two main areas we will be focusing on and working with will be Determining the Gaps and Using the Data to teach Math Meaningfully. The second training, What They Need vs. What Needs Covered, will focus on best practices for all learners and differentiating instruction, and teaching struggling learners, which often times lands districts in A-TSI plans.
Networking Sessions
Math Teachers' Network
This group is scheduled to meet 4 times throughout the school year. There is shared learning during the morning and time to network with teachers from different districts in the afternoon. Districts are welcome to send any of their math teachers to these meetings, and there is no fee associated with attendance.
Student Competitions
24 Math Challenge
The 24 Math Challenge takes place in the Spring for Indiana and Armstrong County School Districts. You can click on the link below for more information about the local tournament.
*There is no longer a state level tournament.
Math Resource Site
Online Resource Page
I am in the process of developing a Google Sites page that will allow me to share a variety of resources with teachers in different districts. There will be a variety of activities that they can do with students as a whole group, as well as activities that students can complete on their own. There will also be resources for teachers to reference as the continue to plan meaningful instruction.
Contact Information
Lacie Cook
ARIN Intermediate Unit
2895 West Pike Road
Indiana, PA 15701
724-463-5300