1. Norm Kennedy SEA – February 11, 2009

2.  Math Trailblazers ◦ Comprehensive, K-5 mathematics curriculum with problem solving at its core ◦ Background  National Science Foundation Grant  TIMS (Teaching Integrated Math and Science)  University of Chicago ◦ Standards and research based curriculum ◦ Structured so concepts and skills grow logically within each grade and across grade levels  Spiral concept

3.  Comprehensive and balanced assessment program that is formative and summative  Teaches math facts and whole-number computation based on current research  Rigorous mathematics to all children  Teachers are facilitators rather than lecturers

4. Number and Operations Algebra Geometry Measurement Data Analysis and Probability Problem Solving Reasoning and Proof Communication Connections Representation

5.  That they: ◦ Learn to value math ◦ Become confident in their ability ◦ Learn to communicate ◦ Learn to reason ◦ Become mathematical problem solvers These are also the goals of Math Trailblazers. This is what sets standards-based programs apart from the traditional.

6.  Connections to Science ◦ Real problems occur naturally ◦ Scientific investigation/method  Draw – Collect – Graph - Explore  Connections to Language Arts ◦ Lessons emphasize reading, writing, and oral communication ◦ Original stories ◦ Trade books recommended to accompany lessons ◦ Journal and discussion prompts for every lesson  Measurement ◦ Length, area, mass, time, volume, money

7.  We assess what we value  Assessment is integrated with instruction – guides the educational experience  Assessment gauges progress over time due to the “spiraling” nature  Multiple sources of information improve the validity of judgments about student learning  Assessment activities should be balanced to reflect all aspects of the curriculum

8.  Portfolios  Discussion Prompts  Observational Assessment  Written Assessments ◦ Assessment pages ◦ Math journals ◦ Assessment ideas for every lesson ◦ Assessment lessons integrated within ◦ Assessment labs ◦ Assessment units ◦ Open-ended problems ◦ Tests ◦ Facts assessment

9.  Student rubrics appear beginning in grade 3 ◦ Knowing ◦ Telling ◦ Solving  Multidimensional rubrics for teachers to use to score one or more areas

10.  Developing meaning for the operation  Inventing procedures for solving problems ◦ Learn multiple strategies through discussion and modeling  Becoming more efficient at carrying out procedures ◦ Lack of emphasis on rote work and timed tests  Developing mathematical power ◦ The ability to understand when and how to apply computational methods to solve problems.

11.  Facts and concepts are not “gatekeepers” so students are not held back from trying something new until one concept is mastered.  Mental math and estimation is encouraged.

12.  Parent letters with every unit  Home practice with every unit  Parent brochures, letters, and homework instructions in English and Spanish  Materials for parent involvement  A Just for Families page on the Web site

13.  Customized Implementation Plan  Initial Training Institute  Administrator Workshop  Assessment Workshop  Strategic Planning Institute  Math Mentor Development Workshop  Customizable On-site Training

14.  Electronic Teacher Community ◦ Online Message Boards ◦ Live Chat ◦ Forum to ask questions  TIMS Listserv  Newsletter – “Voice”  Website: www.mathtrailblazers.comwww.mathtrailblazers.com

15.  Teacher Implementation Guide ◦ Reference guide for teachers  Unit Resource Guide (URG) ◦ All the lessons broken up into units books  Teacher Resource CD-ROM  A Spanish set of Letters Home  Blackline Master Book  Essential Literature Titles (Optional)

16.  Student Guides  Discovery Assignment Books  Adventure Books ◦ Collection of illustrated stories  Manipulatives ◦ Chain links, connecting cubes, square inch tiles, pattern blocks, 3-D geometric shapes, coins, bits, skinny’s, and flats, graduated cylinders, scales, etc…….

17.  K-5 Teacher Materials Kit - $395 per class  Materials Kit - $400-1200 per class  Student Guides - $30 consumable  Adventure Book- $6 non-consumable  Discovery Assignment Book $10 non-cons.  4 th grade classroom (28 students) = $2800  http://www.kendallhunt.com http://www.kendallhunt.com