Math Mail #5 Change the World

Student Resource Site

https://puhsd.haikulearning.com/puhsd/mathtools/prva/cms_page/

There are plenty of resources out there that can support students.  There is a now a student math tools site that has plenty of links to reference materials (tutorials, wikis, math search engine) and interactive applications.  The site is currently accessible to the general public on the web.  While this is not a complete set of all the useful resources for students, it is fairly comprehensive for student needs.  As time goes on, the sites options may grow. Hopefully the site will help support our students and our teachers at PUHSD.

Teacher Resource Site

In addition to the student resource site a teacher site is being built for PUHSD math faculty.  This vision for this site is to be used as a 1) Reference for current standards and  2) Library for Activities.  The activities will be cross-referenced by standard, DOK, topic, etc. Sources for the library will come from freely shared items on the web, the SBAC library, and PUHSD licensed curriculum.

The teacher resource site will also have information Professional Development opportunities including but not limited to conferences (and unconferences), Best Practice Workshops, upcoming trainings/work days for PUHSD math faculty, reading material, and self-guided online programs.

Changes in Technology

Infinite Drive

There are two major changes in technology that may affect teachers in PUHSD.  One is that Google Drive Education accounts now have unlimited storage.  This is good news for PUHSD and all other institutions using Google Apps for Education.  No longer should there be any concern for filling up space with large bits of data from audio, photo, video, or even document like files.  

Geogebra Redesign

The Geogebra web app has been recently overhauled.  The welcome screen at web.geogebra.org now looks like this:

For the most part, students (and teachers) will start with the Algebra button.  Soon there will be available a user guide for the current version, guiding how to turn on/off specific features, and what has changed in the options that are now offered through the web application.  Users will still be able to save geogebra materials created to a Google account just as before.  One advantage now is that when the user is logged in, clicking on search Geogebra materials opens up the bank of saved files.

STEM Quadratic Catapult

Not too long ago, Princess Choi and Josh Kitzerow were able to complete a couple of STEM based activities in the classroom.  One of these was a Lego-Catapult was used to model a quadratic function.  This activity is now expanding and opening up to larger groups.  Currently we are trying to run the Quadratic Catapult activity in the Multi Purpose Room at Perris on Thursday October 16.  Any Math 2 teacher from Perris that would like to could join the group and participate.  The activity will be planned, materials created, and the teacher would need to just manage his/her own students.  More details on the Perris event will be available in the next couple of days.  If other sites would like to also replicate the activity, please contact Jedidiah.Butler@puhsd.org.

CA GAFE Summit San Diego

This last weekend was the California GAFE (Google Apps For Education) Regional Summit in San Diego.  PUHSD was well represented sending 34 participants.  PUHSD is strengthening its presence in educational technology and continuing to develop our own professional skills so that we can benefit our students and our community in a 21st century system.

https://twitter.com/puhsd/status/518539605646536704

Steve Leinwand

So far there have been responses from the 3 comprehensive high schools (HHS, PHS, and PVHS) for the Steve Leinwand presentation on Wednesday October 22 In Downey, CA.  We have a small group going, and PUHSD is supporting attendance for a few more.  If you are interested in this event, please contact jedidiah.butler@puhsd.org or grant.bennett@puhsd.org.  

Piloting Process Plans

As we get close to evaluating textbooks that are worth piloting, we will need to go through a short training on structured evaluation of text for alignment to current state standards.  One potential date for this initial paid training is Saturday November 8th in the morning (8am-12pm).  This training would have 1-2 follow up meetings to go through the texts, find consensus from each individual’s evaluation and then design a structure for piloting the texts for the Spring semester. Please watch your email for surveys on interest (and availability) with the upcoming textbook evaluation.

Math Mail #4 Looking to the Future

STEM updates

Princess Choi and Josh Kitzerow

This activity was organized primarily by Josh, and hosted/supported by Princess last week.  Math 1 students were looking at packing in different sized pens (rectangles) into a specific area.  This activity utilized systems of equations/inequalities and the MVP task 2.1 “Pet Sitter”.  Here is a

Photo Album from the experience.  

There was much success in this event and we are looking to expand it to other teachers.  Currently we are developing a plan to run it as a whole department setting in a larger common area, and teachers that would like to attend can join in during the periods that apply to their respective schedules.  More information will come for this as we get together with department chairs and site Administrators to plan the larger scale event.

Coding

Code.org & Hour of Code

At the recent STEM symposium there was a consistent theme of we need to support coding. One of the keynote speakers mentioned that programming and software engineering jobs are on the upturn.  The Bureau of Labor has a projection that these are going to increase significantly by 2018.

http://logos.cs.uic.edu/recruit/csstatistics.htm

http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf

One of the major ways educational institutions have been putting this into practice is with the hour of code.  It takes place during the week of December 8-14 this year.  With the 1:1 access and ScholarPlus initiative, this could be a great fit for PUHSD.  Currently our district would like to support an effort to incorporate this activity with our students.  To look ahead at this event and how we can plan it out, there’s information at the code.org, csedweek.org or hourofcode.com sites.  The website also gives a basic overview of what one would need to do to host an hour of code experience:

Google Coding Club

Getting started with coding can be applied beyond the annual Hour of Code event.  Google is supporting a similar program that takes place in an after school club setting.  Program information can also be found at http://www.cs-first.com/.  PUHSD should be receiving additional information on this soon.

 

The program is 8 sessions, average 90 (60 goes through too fast, 120 gets a little sluggish) minutes per session.  This is often carried out over the course of 4-8 weeks (1-2 meetings per week).  This is originally designed for middle school students, but is not restricted to specific age groups.  The club utilizes pre-made curriculum from Google and Scratch.  The program will also be provided with a free classroom set of headphones.  The skills are taught through online screencasts, so the instructor doesn’t necessarily need any coding skills.  Students can also complete add-on activities if they want to extend the activity beyond the 90 minutes (or if the student completes the other activities early.  The only thing required from the local site is a room to meet in, adult supervision, and 1:1 devices for the students (which PUHSD already has).

The ready to go curriculum has themes: 1) Music and Sound, 2) Game Design and 3) Story Telling (Beta version). Planning materials for the themes are also available for teachers, as well as online training if a teacher would like to experience the process.

Piloting Evals

As PUHSD is looking at potential candidates for a textbook piloting experience, we want to be thorough and authentic with the texts we research.  Some materials that may help in this process have already be created and shared freely.  These updated systems have an updated focus on alignment to current standards and expectations of mathematical practices.  One of these is a tool kit from Fresno County Office of Education that has been used in other districts throughout California.  Another set of guidelines comes from the achieve.org: Educators Evaluating Quality Instructional Products (EQuIP).  They have in particular a rubric for math materials.  

Before the end of the semester we will be going through some training and experience this evaluation of the materials as a first round in looking for piloting options.  As more information on that arises it will be included in the blog.  This will be an agenda item for the upcoming Math Subject Area Committee (SAC) on October 13 (at SSC TR3).

Professional Development

Steve Leinwand & Downey Unified

Downey Unified school district has extended an invitation to their event that will feature Steve Leinwand.  Here is a summary description from the flyer:

This fast-paced, example-laden, interactive workshop/seminar will blend the spirit of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with the instructional practices required for successful implementation in grades 6-12.  We’ll begin with a series of web available tasks to model and discuss the teaching and learning we envision and need to cultivate.  On this foundation, we’ll briefly examine the benefits and challenges that arise from implementing the Common Core and then turn to a set of research-affirmed, easy-to-adapt instructional shifts that maximize accessibility to the mathematics we are teaching.  For each instructional shift, we’ll model discuss and practice the shift.  The workshop/seminar will end with an exhortation and practical ideas to build and use a range of collaborative structures that are essential for reducing professional isolation.  Come prepared to play, share, question and learn.

PUHSD is looking to send a small group (5-10 teachers) to this.  The event is free and substitutes will be covered.  The event is available either Tuesday October 21 or Wednesday October 22.  If you are interested in attending please email jedidiah.butler@puhsd.org or grant.bennett@puhsd.org.  Please read the flyer for more information as well.

Other Events Math and Tech

• CMC-South
• October 24-25 in Palm Springs, CA
• San Diego GAFE Summit
• Oct 4-5 @ Coronado High School in Coronado, CA
• OC Math Council Dinner
• Oct 6, 2014 @ Dave and Busters in Orange, CA
• RSBCMTA Network dinner
• Oct 21, 2014 @ RCOE 13th street in Riverside, CA
• San Diego CUE
• Nov 15, 2014 @ La Costa Canyon High School, Carlsbad CA
• Registration

Math Mail #3 Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat

This summary of recent events and soon to be events is brought to you by the crazy heat wave taking over much of our week.  Do your best to stay cool, hydrated, and somehow beat the heat.

Upcoming Conferences and Meetings

This season has plenty of conferences and meetings available to math teachers.  California Math Council South conference in Palm Springs (Oct 24-25) will be bring in plenty of talent and brilliant ideas from all around.  PUHSD will be represented by a couple of speakers: Chris Mackenzie and Jedidiah Butler.  Early registration discounts just ended but there is still time to sign up for the conference and book lodging if necessary.  

The Riverside-San Bernardino Math Teacher Association also holds a network and dinner meeting each quarter.  The next one is scheduled for October 21, 2014 at Riverside County Office of Education on 13th street in Riverside.  Currently there is no set agenda for this meeting, so please visit http://rsbcmta.weebly.com/math-network--dinner-meetings.html to see updated information.  

PUHSD is also a leader in educational technology.  A couple of edtech conferences include CA GAFE summit in Coronado (Oct 4 - Oct 5), and San Diego CUE Tech Fair in Carlsbad (Nov 15).

Lastly there are two local Ed Camp unconferences coming up.  These are free and adapt the desires of the participants.  The next local edcamp will be at Ramona High School in Riverside on October 4, followed by edcamp San Diego that takes place in Escondido, CA on October 18.  More information on edcamps can be found at http://edcamp.wikispaces.com/.

Parent Math Information Nights

So far these nights have had small groups. There is a presentation prepared on shifts in Common Core Math, particularly with standards and assessment.  If you would like the preview the presentation materials please visit: http://goo.gl/VrxWgR The biggest takeaways from these meetings have been get your student to talk more about the math, and apply concepts beyond just one context.  A great example of this is in the central park activity featured by desmos.  The shift toward a more balanced curriculum that utilizes procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and application are well modeled in all the Desmos activities.

STEM

PUHSD is lucky to work with Josh Kitzerow as a consultant, particularly with STEM like activities.  Some of his current ideas for modeling and applying concepts in the classroom include:

• a large scale (pun intended) balance to compare value in algebraic expressions

• using small cars with fixed variables for speed and/or time to look for a relationship

• lego building with  manipulatives (digital and non-digital) to demonstrate examples of linear programming and modeling within specific constraints

• using code to animate visual patterns of growth and make predictions

If you are interested in trying out a STEM activity, Josh will do most (if not all) of the preparation.  Contact Student Services or Jedidiah Butler if you want to know more.

TASFair

This year PUHSD hopes to host a local version of the Technology Applied Science Fair this year.  Southern California Educator Scott Bedley began this as a local fair with his own elementary students, and now it has grown to even include international participants.  All we would need to host an event at PUHSD are willing teachers (and their students) and a small group of volunteer judges.  As more information is available we will be getting it out to the district.  Please visit TASfair.com to see some of it for yourself.

Supplemental Resources in Haiku

Currently we are rebuilding a Perris Union High School District math resource site through Haiku.  This site will be intended for all PUHSD staff and students.  There will be materials on this site that is protected by license such that we can’t make the entire site itself public.  Material to be included on this site will be also utilize free resources and tools online.  This site is currently in rough stage, and I hope to have it polished by end of the month.  The site will evolve and make use of our dynamic digital files through Google Drive at PUHSD.  As a document, spreadsheet, or presentation is updated, users will not need to download anything.  A sample of the type of materials that one could find on this site includes the following spreadsheets (http://goo.gl/klMc5w and http://goo.gl/j9Ym2V).  A teacher could use these to find supplemental practice and tutorials as well as additional activities to align with other materials. These spreadsheets align resources we have license to (HRW) and additional resources online.

One reason for this site’s existence is our current license with Holt Rinehart Winston online (my.hrw.com) should be expiring this year.  Most of the material that was on this site was also available on disk (PowerPoint, PDF sheets, workbooks, Student Textbook, Teacher Textbook, pre-made assessments).  The only items that would be lost as the license expires are the interactive quizzes and videos from good ol’ professor Berger.

There is also a rough draft for a public site that will be intended for parents.  The public site will be built to include parenting support for CCSS, to help answer the ever changing task of finding ways to support our students.  

MVP Teacher Notes

We have copies of the teacher notes for the Math 1 and Math 2 MVP materials.  We are putting the packets into binders and hopefully will have them delivered in the next fews days.

Examview Updates

Recently there has been a handful of teachers at PUHSD school sites asking about Examview.  We have a district license for this software, including a license to use it on the newer Apple Mac Airs and iMacs.  If you don’t already have it installed, and you have access to install applications on your computer, watch a quick video at  http://youtu.be/Azx_aGoqkYc to see how to do this.

Common Core Curriculum

More publishers and institutions are establishing a better student text for updated standards and shifts in instruction.  Currently California Department of Education has listed state adopted materials for grades K-8. These include the Pearson text for Integrated Math 1.  At the student services center we are also looking through materials from Houghton Mifflin.  One major trend in all publishers materials is for the student text to be a consumable item.  These student texts are rather large, about double in thickness of a standard textbook, so many of the publishers give the text in a Volume 1 and 2.  This fits well with the plan for PUHSD to have semester blocks A and B for each course.  

One event in which in which PUHSD will be previewing more materials that have potential for district adoption is the Orange County Math Council Dinner meeting on in October.  During the evening there will be 14 vendors present, including the big 3 companies for educational publishing.  If you are interested in attending this event, you would need to visit the OCmathcouncil web page to find out more. As options for piloting materials in our district arise, there will be additional information from student services.  If you are interested in participating in any piloting experiences for integrated math materials later in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015 please contact jedidiah.butler@puhsd.org