MT Math Minute

DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT: Cayuse Prarie

Mastery-Based: After students complete their mastery check, Mrs. Stultz analyzes the data. If students show mastery of the online or hard copy check, they are free to move on to the next lesson or activity. When students don’t meet mastery, Mrs. Stultz works with students to determine what barriers may exist.

Roadmap: Students have access to a Roadmap throughout the topic, this shows students what pacing should look like and helps students ensure that they are on track to complete mastery in an appropriate time. Students also keep track of where they are through the use of a lesson tracking sheet which shows all of the assignments within a unit, allowing students to keep track of their progress.

Great Job

Mrs. Stultz!

Thank you!

For all that you do for your students and your dedication to innovating math!

MATH INITIATIVES

Math Innovation Zones

MIZ has kicked off and is in full swing with 13 participating schools and 5 districts receiving funding to increase student agency and engagement, foster teachers’ innovative instructional practices, and generate community and family involvement in mathematics instruction.

Schools are planning many cutting-edge approaches, including the use of choice boards, student data journals, and learner-driven placement and enrichment. Keep an eye out in future editions for school spotlights.

Math Standards Revision

The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee is deep into the review process of the proposed 2024 Math Content Standards, due for district implementation in the summer of 2025.

Some key elements of interest from the proposed math standards include:

• A cultural connections mathematical practice, which, if approved, would make Montana the first state in the country to prioritize cultural and community connections to mathematics in this way.
• An increase in clarity and accessibility of language used in the K-12 standards.
  
• Prioritization of multiple strategies for problem-solving, widening the options for students to demonstrate mathematical knowledge.
  

The Negotiated Rulemaking Committee has concluded its review of the superintendent’s proposed standards as of January 22nd. They are not beginning to review the economic impact of the standards. Once the Negotiated Rulemaking procedure has concluded, the standards will move to the Board of Public Education for approval.

Classroom Resource:

In 1961, the Eames Office made 5 Mathematics “Peep Shows” for the IBM Mathematica Exhibition. Although the animation is dated, the way the stories of these mathematicians are told continues to captivate students of all ages.

If you’re looking for a way to connect mathematics to the people responsible for its development, I recommend showing any of these five 2-minute videos to your students before opening a lesson.

The featured video to the right shows the power of exponential numbers through the legend of the chessboard. Students will be shocked by realizing how quickly exponential growth can get out of hand.

Tip: Try having your students guess 2^64 without a calculator before showing the video.

All 5 Math videos from the Eames Office:

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT

pROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Teacher Learning Hub Offerings:

Addition and Subtraction Strategies (5 PDUs)

But What About Fact Fluency (2 PDUs)

Indian Ed & Math Seamless Integration (2 PDUs)

Mathematical Practices (K-8) (3 PDUs)

Multiplication Strategies of Basic Facts (4 PDUs)

Multiplication Strategies: Multi-Digit Numbers (5 PDUs)

Playing with Pythagoras (4 PDUs)

Problem Solving: Bring Your Classroom Alive! (3 PDUs)

The Hub offerings are free and self-guided. While each training can be applied towards licensure renewal, we encourage you to check with your district administrator or collective bargaining agreement to verify these meet district requirements for PIR.

Upcoming Approved Provider Offerings:

Professional Development F.A.Q

Need Additional Support?