As we continue virtual learning, using effective and equitable instructional practices is paramount. Mathematically Productive Instructional Routines (MPIRs) offer quick strategies to engage students in meaningful conversations and use of the Standards for Mathematical Practice. In each newsletter this year we will highlight an MPIR with recommendations for how to use it in a blended or distance learning setting.
Which One Doesn't Belong
Articles and blogs to check out for more information about WODB:
Math Anywhere: Which One Doesn't Belong
By Melissa Burt
Read about how families can use Which One Doesn't Belong at home.
Which One Doesn't Belong Author Website
From: Stenhouse
Read an introduction from Christopher Danielson, author of the book Which One Doesn’t Belong?. There are also several ideas about how to use everyday objects for a WODB.
Changing Up Popular Warm-Up Routines
By Fawn Nguyen
Read about a new twist that Fawn Nguyen is putting on the Which One Doesn't Belong routine.
#mathMovement ideas with well known Math Routines
By Sara Van Der Werf
Read about some ways Sara says you can add #mathMovement to your daily routines in class. She also discusses ways you can make WODB accessible to more students.
Strategies for Using Which One Doesn't Belong in a Virtual Setting
Synchronous (Learning Together):
Hand signals- Students can use hand signals to communicate even when muted. You can have students hold up a different number of fingers to indicate their choice. Hand signals are great for use in the classroom as well to make more room for student think time.
Use Chat- Have students type their choice in chat but wait until you announce when to press enter so no one gets robbed of thinking or wait time. This strategy is often called Chat Storm. You can then have students volunteer to share their reasoning.
Breakout rooms- Send students to breakout rooms of 3-4 to allow time for students to discussion thier reasoning together. This gives a greater opportunity for more voices to be heard. you can also challenge student to find a reason for each picture.
Asynchronous and Synchronous:
Flipgrid- Students can explain their thinking using Flipgrid and comment on each other’s reasoning. Or the teacher can show a few of the videos during a live session and have a class discussion about the different strategies featured.
Here are 101 pre-created Flipgrids you can use.
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Jamboard- Students can add a sticky note to explain their thinking and/or in a live class use the laser pointer feature to explain and discuss their strategy. Students can also diagram (draw on) the image.
Example of a WODB Jamboard.
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Padlet- Post a different picture at the top of each column and students can add comments/reasoning about any or up to all four of the options.
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Peardeck/Nearpod- Put a slide in a Peardeck/Nearpod so all kids can respond with text/draw and then share.
Desmos- Students can engage in the WODB both Asynchronously or synchronously. Teachers can track student progress and view responses. You can make an activity of your own or start with a Template and personalize. (This template was created by Thumbs Up Math, we recommend making a copy and replacing the images and videos with your own)
Resources for Which One Doesn't Belong
Locations to check out for Which One Doesn't Belong resources:
2019 PAEMST Award Winners
On August 3, 2020, the White House announced the most recent (2019) recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This year's teachers represent 7-12th grade educators from across the United States.
Carol McKay
(The official biography below was current at the time of the award.)
Carol McKay has spent her 14-year teaching career at Capital High School. She has taught all levels of mathematics and currently teaches 9th-12th grade Algebra 2 and Precalculus. She previously was an affiliate instructor with Central Washington University, teaching college-level courses in her high school Precalculus class.
Carol is known to engage her students in their learning by making connections to their interests and activities. In a favorite project, students combine functions to create a picture that has personal meaning. Carol uses strategies that allow students to communicate about their learning and to constructively critique others’ ideas.
Carol feels strongly about helping other teachers deepen their knowledge of essential pedagogical practices. She led professional development workshops in her district on selected books, including: Five Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discourse and Making Number Talks Matter.
Carol served on the Washington mathematics committee to develop an alternative third-year high school mathematics course called “Modeling Our World with Math.” She is part of the Washington steering committee for the ”launch years initiative,” which will set a vision for high-quality mathematics pathways to prepare high school students for post-secondary success.
Carol earned a B.S. in paper science and engineering from the University of Washington and a M.S. in wood and paper science from North Carolina State University. She earned her teaching certification from Pacific Lutheran University through an alternate routes program with endorsements in mathematics and chemistry. Carol is a National Board Certified Teacher in mathematics. She was the Regional Teacher of the Year in 2017 for Educational Service District 113.
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Amy Peterson
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2021 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching nominations are open.
The PAEMST is the highest national honor for a K-12 mathematics or science teacher. Each year the award alternates between elementary and secondary teachers. This year's awards will honor science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teachers working in grades 7-12. Nominations close on March 1, 2021. Learn more about the program on OSPI's PAEMST webpage or visit the PAEMST.org website where you can find out more information about the award and nominate/apply.
Screening for Biased Content in Instructional Materials
Background
In order to ensure equity for all students an evaluation of content for bias is a pivotal portion of the instructional materials review process. OSPI’s current guidance document is widely used but is from 2009. In January 2020, an internal workgroup assembled to update the guidance this resourse provides. Many thanks to all the Washington educators, administrators, and community members who provided invaluable review and feedback to this work.
Purpose
- Provide a model screening tool to help school districts comply with Washington state law requiring an instructional materials adoption policy that includes selection criteria designed to eliminate bias.
- Provide guiding questions for district review teams to help recognize bias in instructional materials that impacts student identity development, pride, sense of community, belonging, and empowerment.
Though this screening tool is geared toward the review of core instructional material, the criteria posed should also help guide selection of supplemental and intervention resources. Furthermore, this work should be embedded in larger efforts focusing on anti-racism, equity, culturally responsive teaching practices, and inclusion.
Exploring Math Through Stories
Great stories are a wonderful way to get young people of all ages excited and interested in mathematics. The annual book prize, Mathical: Books for Kids from Tots to Teens, recognizes the most inspiring math-related fiction and nonfiction books that bring the wonder of math to life.
Written by Laura Gehl • Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
Kindergarden through 2nd grade
What’s one thing that two bears, three yaks, four goats, and six cats have in common? They hate to share. When the animals don’t count and compare to see if they need to share, someone always gets left out. But, by learning to share, the animals discover they can have twice the fun!
Key Math Concepts
- Comparing numbers by size
- Noticing problems by counting and comparing
- Using math as a tool to solve problems fairly
Reading Guide
Want to enjoy Mathical books with the children around you? Feeling uncertain about guiding them through the math-related parts of the book?
This reading guide includes activities for before, during, and after reading. It also includes both math-centric and narrative activities to start discussions and activities.
Copyright © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Mathematical Sciences Research Institute.
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Modeling Our World with Mathematics is now on OER Commons!
We are excited to announce that the Modeling Our World with Mathemtics (MOWWM) course materials are now avilable on OER Commons.
Course materials and assessments will still be able to be accessed on the OSPI Learn Moodle. We hope this aditional platform will enable more to have access to the course materials and ease congestion on the Moodle.
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Feedback surveys
Bridge to College Reimagined
A lot of work has been done reimagining Bridge to College Math for blended or distance learning. As we continue the work, we want to use your experiences and feedback to keep improving the modified lessons. We would appreciate hearing about your experiences so far using the given survey. You may submit this survey throughout the year as many times as you wish; we value your input!
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Additional Information about the course can be found at bridgetocollegecourses.org and OSPI or contact OSPI Director of Mathematics, Arlene Crum at arlene.crum@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6233.
Modeling Our World with Mathematics
We are working hard this year to fine tune course materials. To help us meet your needs we want to use your experiences and feedback to keep improving the course. We have put together a very short survey to gather your feedback. Answer only the questions that are meaningful for your experiences so far. You may submit this survey throughout the year as many times as you wish; we value your input!
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To learn more about this course, visit the MOWWM website or contact OSPI K-12 Mathematics Specialist, Jennifer Cronquist at jennifer.cronquist@k12.wa.us or 360-764-0309.
Mathical Book Prize - Live Author Readings
Join the National Math Festival on December 9 and 10 for Mathical Book Prize online live author readings!
The online event is free, and Mathical authors will read aloud from their works, and take questions from kids and teens in the audience.
Math is more than numbers and equations! The Mathical Book Prize inspires kids of all ages to see math in the world around them through fiction and literary non-fiction. Everybody loves a good story: we have picture books to teen novels, and everything in between.
Details:
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Wednesday, Dec. 9, 10 AM - 11:30 AM PST: Tweens + Teens Take on Mathical
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Thursday, Dec. 10, 10 AM - 11 AM PST: Little Ones Rule with Mathical
For more details, including the free registration, visit the registration page.
*Recordings of the sessions will be available to anyone who has registered.
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This winter, the Washington State Mathematics Council (WSMC) is sponsoring
Sip + Solve-
Maximizing Math Moments
Connect and collaborate with fellow math educators in a relaxed setting for engaging conversations about mathematics teaching practices.
Details
- FREE with up to 6 clock hours available ($3/clock hour)
- Sessions will be held first Mondays (4-5 pm) and third Tuesdays (7-8 pm) (Attend any or all: 1/4, 1/19, 2/1, 2/16, 3/1, 3/16)
Click here to learn more
Click here to register
For more information about the Washington State Mathematics Council please visit us at WSMC.net.
WAMC February Virtual Winter In-service
Saturday, February 20, 2021 8:00 - 3:30
Virtual via Webex
Sharing of virtual math lesson plans and labs derived from our Spring and Fall In-service and our week long Summer Conference.
Includes six (6) STEM Clock Hours
Click here to learn more and register
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