MT Math Minute

DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT: Cayuse Prarie

Cayuse Prarie SD#10 is participating in the Math Innovation Zones grant this year. Like all districts involved, it is taking great strides to employ innovative math instructional practices in its school. Last month we featured Ms. Stultz and her approach to increasing student agency in her classroom. This month, we highlight another Cayuse teacher who is “Rising Up to Make a Difference” - Mrs. DeJana!

Mrs. DeJana is a 5th-grade teacher at Cayuse who helps her students “W.I.N” at math through her personalized “What I Need” learning model. Her administrator, Amy Piazzola writes:

“Students are given agency over their learning as they choose how they access lessons, practice skills, and receive support... After learning the new skill, it’s time for students to practice. They may choose to complete problems in their math workbook or use an online “Practice Buddy” tool. Once students feel they have mastered the new concept, they complete an online Mastery Check that provides instant feedback.”

Students in Mrs. DeJana’s class access their learning options through both Google Classroom and their online curriculum platform. There are lesson and test deadlines, however, students can work ahead at their own pace. This model allows students who are “higher-achieving students to remain challenged and engaged” while supporting students with needs through “small-group or individual help” since the teacher is not engaged in an instructional lesson with the entire group.

Through this model, students gain skills in problem-solving, self-advocacy, feedback engagement, self-reflection, time management, and decision making!

“W.I.N. Math teaches students to continually use feedback to assess their learning and make decisions according to their individual needs - a skill that students can apply in all areas of life.”

Thank you!

Great Job

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

Mrs. DeJana!

5th-Grader B.K. works on a W.I.N. Math Lesson

There are many high-quality and exciting professional development opportunities headed our way this summer. Please consider registering for these events and learning about how to support your instructional practices.

Classroom Resource: 3 Act Math

3 Act Math is a great method for engaging K-12 students in mathematics. Speaking from experience, this practice can help math come to life for students and increase their engagement in your lessons as well as deepen their understanding.

Dan Meyer discusses his process in this short, 4-minute video published by Education Week magazine.

There are so many resources out there for you to explore! Here are some of my favorites to help get you started:

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 Events:

Professional Development F.A.Q

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