Math + Professional Development = A Winning Equation

Improving math instruction and learning—and addressing equity issues raised by critics like Robert Moses—has taken on added urgency with NCLB’s high-stakes tests and requirements for highly qualified teachers. That, in turn, has led to broader recognition of the role that effective professional development plays in increasing teachers’ content knowledge and bolstering their practice. The NCLB Act acknowledges that professional development activities “are an integral part of broad schoolwide and districtwide educational improvement plans.” The act further states that such activities give teachers and school leaders the tools to help students meet challenging state academic standards.

In this issue of Northwest Education, we look at different forms of mathematics professional development throughout our region. We follow Idaho middle school teachers as they revitalize geometry instruction and see how Oregon teachers are introducing algebra to the youngest students. We discover strategies for teaching mathematics in the ELL classroom. And, we describe an intensive approach to professional development in Montana, where teachers learn content and pedagogy in a year-round program.

Download this issue as a PDF (38pp, 2M)

Features

When 1 + x = 2
Algebraic reasoning and number sense are right at home in K–2 classrooms in one rural Oregon community.

A Place You Can Make a Difference
Tailoring math lessons to English language learners pays off in higher test scores for students and a greater sense of accomplishment for teachers.

Q&A: Putting Math at the Forefront
Former NCTM President Johnny Lott believes NCLB’s emphasis on mathematics can lead to positive change, but “something’s gotten lost” along the way.

Covering All the Angles
Idaho’s middle school teachers go back to school for geometry lessons.

From the Bottom Up
Examining data becomes a part of life in a small farm town at the base of Oregon’s Blue Mountains.

Catching a Comet
A yearlong professional development program breaks down isolation and builds leadership among Montana teachers.

Opening the Gates
“Algebra for all” is the new mantra in Portland Public Schools. In requiring all students to take this gatekeeper course, Portland might consider the experience of Rigby, Idaho.

departments

Forum

Editor’s Note

Voices
Reaching a Deeper Understanding

Research Brief
Changing Practice Through Effective Professional Development

Resources
Resource Annex

Region at a Glance
What the Test Scores Do—and Don’t—Reveal

End Note

Expert Opinion
Bob McIntosh, mathematics program specialist for the North Thurston (Washington) Public Schools, talks about what works in professional development.

Masthead