Learning

Turning Your Classroom Into Equitable Practice p

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Kristen Brown, Marna Lehnert, and Claryliz Peralta Rodriguez

THURSDAYS, FEB 9, MAR 9, APR 27, MAY 25

MƒA consider the conceptual understanding and problemsolving skills needed as we discuss focused calculus tasks. Teachers will be grouped based on a specific area of interest and experience level. We will also build on a wealth of resources from past Calculus PLTs. Past, present, and future AP and non-AP Calculus teachers are encouraged to join. This PLT is designed with all experience levels in mind.

Three Dimensional Learning With 3D Printers

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Olivia Bello and Sara Heymont

WEDNESDAYS, MAR 8, APR 19, MAY 17, JUN 14 MƒA

 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

How might we leverage 3D printers to enhance and provide equitable access to our students? 3D printing tasks can engage all learners, increase student agency, ownership, and identity, and bring STEM to life as students engage in design challenges such as creating bubble wands to maximize bubble production or developing a scale model of a Mars rover. First, we will explore existing 3D printing tasks to identify where they may fit into our curriculum. Then, we will design, implement, reflect on, and revise 3D printing tasks. Finally, we will celebrate and share the implementation process of our tasks. We will collaborate to explore and create 3D printing tasks, discuss challenges, troubleshoot solutions, and ultimately leave with various teacher-tested 3D printing lessons. All 3D printer experience levels are welcome!

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INQUIRY, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP

+PLEASE NOTE: AS A PREREQUISITE TO THIS COURSE, TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE READ GRADING FOR EQUITY BY JOE FELDMAN. THE WORK OF OUR PLT IS BASED ON THIS TEXT.

How might we develop, refine, and implement more equitable grading systems? In this PLT, we will create a supportive community for teachers interested in making these changes in their STEM classrooms. In our first session, we will build on a shared understanding of equitable grading, discuss its advantages and challenges based on Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman, and examine concrete examples of its implementation. In later sessions, we will redesign aspects of our grading systems, practice these changes in our classrooms, share learnings with each other, and reflect on our successes. This PLT is ideal for any teacher ready to either dive into equitable grading for the first time, or improve their current grading system.

Under Construction: Building a Thinking Classroom

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Amy Brenner, Shari Eng, and Jeffrey Hamilton

THURSDAYS, MAR 2, MAR 30, MAY 11, JUN 15

MƒA

 MATHEMATICS

+PLEASE NOTE: TEACHERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN COPY OF BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS BY PETER LILJEDAHL, AND CAN BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE MƒA FLEX FUNDS PROGRAM.

How might we improve student thinking in our classrooms by exploring and implementing some of the 14 teaching practices in Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC)? Join us as we learn how BTC’s big ideas, such as vertical non-permanent surfaces, visually random groupings, thin-slicing, and leveling to the bottom, impact student learning. In this PLT, we will experience these practices firsthand, read the why behind them, and share the successes and challenges we have experienced in our thinking classrooms. Teachers will also have time to discuss, collaborate, and reflect on ways to start, develop, and strengthen their thinking classrooms. While this course is best suited to mathematics teachers of all levels, teachers of any content area who are curious and enthusiastic about building a thinking classroom are encouraged to join.

Unpacking the Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Brandi Kovac, Ismael Perez, and Rachel Woolley

TUESDAYS, FEB 14, MAR 21, APR 25, MAY 30 ONLINE  MATHEMATICS

How might we ease and support the transition to the New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards? In this PLT, mathematics teachers of all grade levels are welcome as we analyze key documents, including the grade-level Learning Standards Crosswalks and Snapshots, to ease and support the transition. We will compare the new standards with the Common Core standards, track the progression of essential skills through the grade levels, and adapt existing curricula to help students connect concepts and skills more effectively. Throughout, teachers will share best practices for teaching particular topics. Teachers will leave with a better understanding of the new standards and resources to share with their school communities.

What Should Students Learn? Updating the Mathematics Curriculum at Your School

Facilitators: MƒA Master Teachers Tyler Hicks and Andrea Kung

TUESDAYS, FEB 28, MAR 28, MAY 2, JUN 6

MƒA  MATHEMATICS

How might we reshape the traditional secondary mathematics curriculum to provide new and meaningful