INTRODUCING…�STEPPING STONES (K-5) &�CPM - COLLEGE PREPARATORY MATHEMATICS (GRADE 6-8)

FOXVIEW INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

OCTOBER 28, 2013

MEETING AGENDA

• 7:00-7:30

Introduction to CPM and Stepping Stones

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• 7:30-8:00

Course overview and sample

lesson observation

• Grade 5 Stepping Stones
• Grade 6 CPM

HOW WAS THE DECISION TO �ADOPT MATH RESOURCES MADE?

• District K- 6 Math Committee formed in 2011
• An in depth study of the adopted State Standards, including Standards of Mathematical Practices
• A study of math best practices and Math Frameworks Professional Development
• Established a set of criteria in which to evaluate proposed math resources
• Evaluation of resources, site visits, and dialogue with other high-performing districts
• Involvement of Middle School and High School math teachers and administrators in dialogue and transition
• Recommendation made to the Board of Education for adoption in May, 2013.

STANDARDS OF MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

The Standards for Mathematical Practice are central to the teaching and learning of mathematics. These practices describe the behaviors and habits of mind that are exhibited by students who are mathematically proficient.

• 1. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. By having students makes sense of the problem, rather than being told how to solve a particular kind of problem step-by-step, students develop conceptual understanding of mathematics, procedural fluency, and perseverance.
• 2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively. Students develop reasoning skills by first approaching mathematical concepts in a concrete manner before moving onto abstraction.
• 3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others. Students regularly share information, opinions, and their expertise with others. They learn to justify their conclusions, communicate them to others, and respond to the arguments of others.

• 4. Model with mathematics. Students use charts, diagrams, tables, and formulas to map mathematical relationships. They apply the mathematics they know to solve problems found in everyday life.
• 5. Use appropriate tools strategically. Rather than being told which tool to use, students select an appropriate tool (ruler, graph paper, protractor, etc.) to assist them in solving the problem.
• 6. Attend to precision. Students communicate precisely with others, calculate accurately and efficiently, and express numerical answers with a degree of precision appropriate for the problem context.
• 7. Look for and make use of structure. Students will look closely to discern a pattern or structure.
• 8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning. Students extend the structure of previous problems to continually expand their ability to solve increasingly complex problems.

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WHAT’S NEW? – STEPPING STONES

• The Unified School District of De Pere has adopted Stepping Stones as its new K-5 math resource.
• About Stepping Stones
• Stepping Stones was developed to meet the Wisconsin State Standards in Mathematics and is supported by a strong research base in the teaching and learning of mathematics. It was written to meet the content standards as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

WHAT OTHER DISTRICTS ARE USING �STEPPING STONES (3-5 NEW IN 2013)?

• Pulaski
• Waukesha
• Muskego-Norway
• Grafton
• Port Washington
•  Menomonee Falls (Pilot)

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TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• All 5^th Grade teachers attended professional development workshops specifically designed to enable their student to be successful in a CCSS content and practice -aligned classroom.  
• Instructional planning took place prior to the school year to ensure a consistent delivery of Stepping Stones.
• Teachers meet together at least twice per week to plan, discuss, and reflect on instruction and student performance.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF STEPPING STONES

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P98cjBLy_Z4
• Access to all online content for all grades
• Integrates print and digital resources
• Delivered online to teacher and students
• Students have a journal and ongoing practice materials
• Differentiation available for each lesson
• Emphasis on Standards of Mathematical Practices

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HIGHLIGHTS OF STEPPING STONES

• Online delivery of lessons makes use of interactive whiteboard tools, such as manipulatives, visual graphics, and digital resources and these tools are updated continuously.
• Each module (unit) contains professional development videos for the teachers that build background knowledge and demonstrate effective teaching practices.
• Differentiation activities are provided for each lesson. These activities include Extra Help, Extra Practice, and Extra Challenge.

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK?

• Regular and meaningful practice is an important piece of Stepping Stones.
• Practice pages are provided for each lesson. These pages typically revisit content from earlier lessons.
• Practice pages may not be assigned on a daily basis. Your child’s teacher will determine which practice pages are appropriate for your child and assign them accordingly.

WHERE CAN PARENTS GO FOR HELP?

• A “Letter to Home” will be shared at the beginning of each module (unit). These letters are meant to update you on what your child should know and be able to do by the conclusion of the module. They also provide background information on the mathematical concepts found in the lessons.
• If you would like to learn more about Stepping Stones, check out this link: http://www.origoeducation.com/steppingstones/?mageloc=US

WHAT’S NEW? - CPM

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• USDD has adopted CPM, College Preparatory Mathematics, as its grades 6-8 mathematics program.

What are the names of the CPM courses?

• Core Connections 1 - Grade 6
• Core Connections 2 - Grade 7
• Core Connections 3 - Grade 8

WHAT OTHER DISTRICTS ARE USING �CPM?

• Howard-Suamico
• Pulaski
• Ashwaubenon
• West De Pere
• Manitowoc
• Luxemburg-Casco
• Oshkosh
• Kewaunee

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TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• All 6^th Grade teachers have attended 6 days of professional development workshops specifically designed to enable their student to be successful in a CCSS content and practice -aligned classroom.  
• Teachers meet together at least twice per week to plan, discuss, and reflect on instruction and student performance.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CPM

• Research has shown that math students learn best when engaged in doing math, not just watching a teacher talk about it.
• Students will spend much of a CPM math class working through a variety of different problems in small teams.
• The team philosophy has many assets:
• Requires active learning by all students.
• Makes it more comfortable for students to ask questions and problem solve in a small group environment.
• Provides a vehicle for a high level of thinking, participation, and communication.
• CPM also requires more writing. In addition to finding a numeric answer, students often write a short explanation or justification for why that is the answer.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF CPM

• A student’s learning is more meaningful and is better retained when he or she reaches the level of understanding necessary to explain and justify his or her thinking.
• CPM asks students to justify their mathematical thinking and problem-solving approaches to help foster long-term retention of what they learn.
• The effects of various forms of classroom cooperative learning groups (or small-group learning or learning teams) have now been studied extensively for over 30 years. Findings strong suggest that social interaction increases the ability to learn ideas.

WHAT ABOUT HOMEWORK?

• Each daily homework assignment focuses on previously taught concepts – “Review/Preview”
• Even if students did not fully understand the main concepts of the daily lesson, they should still find that they can complete the homework independently.
• Homework practice increases student achievement and builds confidence in math skills.
• “Review Preview” supports CPM’s philosophy of mastery over time.

WHAT ABOUT EBOOKS?

• Each student has received an account and password for an electronic book.
• This will allow access for course material at home as well as quick access to the homework support.

WHERE CAN PARENTS GO FOR HELP?

• The Parent Guide:
• CPM has published a comprehensive Parent Guide for Course 1. Parents can download the entire book, as well as a chapter, for free. The guides contain explanations of the concepts and objectives from each unit, with discussion and answers to key questions.
• Summaries and sample problems from each unit: http://www.cpm.org/parents/resources.htm

COURSE OVERVIEW AND SAMPLE LESSON DEMONSTRATION 7:30-8:00

• Grade 5 Stepping Stones
• Lesson 3.3
• Room A201

• Grade 6 CPM
• Lesson 2.3.1
• LMC