Mathematics Update
www.esc11.net/math
Don't miss out on these upcoming professional learning opportunities!
Math & Science Leaders Meeting Relaunch
TRC Learning Math through the Process Standards Gr 5-8
Join us on January 12, 2017!
The participants of this session will focus on teaching mathematical topics through problem solving and helping students construct conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas and processes by engaging them in doing mathematics. The process standards describe ways in which students are expected to engage in the mathematics content and weave the other knowledge and skills together so that students may be successful problem solvers and use mathematics efficiently and effectively in daily life.Promoting Mathematical Inquiry and Discourse Through Problem Solving, Grades 6-8
Lead4ward
Lead4ward: The Long and Short of Measurement
The Campus/District data not measuring up to the standard? Come lengthen your knowledge of the measurement standards, build capacity within your instructional practices, and weigh in on some new ideas.
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Lead4ward - Getting into GEER ...Geometry through Expressions, Equations, and Relationships (Grades 6-8)
Is your campus/district data not clear about how students are doing in Geometry? Is it expressions, equations, or relationships that are causing the problem? What are the knowledge and skills related to Geometry that grades 6-8 teachers and students need to understand thoroughly and apply flexibly for mastering learning?
Algebraic Reasoning: A New High School Math course... Can it make a bridge to Algebra II? Can it replace Algebra II?
What is Algebraic Reasoning, the new high school math course approved by the Texas State Board of Education? Which students would be best served by taking this course? What type of instruction best aligns to the TEKS for Algebraic Reasoning? Come investigate these questions and more as we deepen our understanding of the flexibility and power of the opportunity to implement a rigorous new high school math course.
STAAR Algebra I EOC: New Test, New TEKS
The 2016-17 STAAR Algebra I EOC will be the first test to include all of the new Algebra I TEKS/SEs. This session will help teachers grow by experiencing best practices to teach and ways to differentiate the new student expectations so that students will gain deep understandings of the new algebraic concepts introduced last year. Special education teachers are encouraged to attend since the needs and accommodations of special education students will also be addressed. All materials and resources will be made available through web access.
Technology Vendor Fair Expo and Solutions
Mark your calendar the Technology Vendor Fair Expo and Solutions will be Friday, April 7, 2017!
This one-day expo offers you the opportunity to meet with top industry professionals and get hands-on experience as you learn about new products and software to use in and around your classroom. ALL Educators are invited to see some of the top innovated products that cover all aspects of the education world. Plan now to attend to see the latest and greatest solutions that are available. Vendors from all over will be presenting and demonstrating their products. This would be a great time to learn what is out there for educators.
Registration will open for participants to attend January 1st.
Shortened Test Blueprints for STAAR for Grades 3-8 in Spring 2017
- The communication announcing the adjustments to the STAAR blueprints is posted on the Student Assessment Correspondence with Districts webpage at http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/correspondence/.
- TEA has posted the new blueprints under TEA STAAR Resources. Here is the TEA link for mathematics: http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/staar/math/
- The STAAR grades 3–8 math assessments were shortened by 14 questions each.
- The number of field-test questions was decreased from 8 to 6 questions.
- There is no change to the number of griddable questions.
- There is no change to the assessed curriculum.
- There is no change to the STAAR Algebra I or II assessments.
- The PowerPoint presentation from the Student Assessment Division can be found at http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/training/.
2017 Accessibility
TEA accessibility policies may apply to any student taking STAAR or TELPAS depending on his or her needs and whether or not the student meets the eligibility criteria, if applicable. These policies are divided into 3 main categories. Within each category are links to policy documents that provide more specific information.
Accessibility Features: These are procedures and materials that are allowed for any student who needs them.
Designated Supports: These are locally-approved supports for students who meet eligibility criteria.
- Amplification Devices
- Basic Transcribing
- Braille
- Calculation Devices
- Content Supports
- Dictionary
- Extra Time
- Individualized Structured Reminders
- Language and Vocabulary Supports
- Large Print
- Manipulating Test Materials
- Math Manipulatives
- Oral/Signed Administration
- Projection Devices
- Spelling Assistance
- Supplemental Aids
Designated Supports Requiring TEA Approval: These supports require the submission and approval of a TEA Accommodation Request Form.
- Complex Transcribing
- Extra Day
- Math Scribe
- Other
- Photocopy
Training and Presentations
The following resources provide training opportunities (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, link to future trainings, training manuals) for educators needing information on accommodation resources.
- 2017 STAAR Accommodations (PDF updated 11/08/16)
- 2017 STAAR Accommodations (PPT updated 11/08/16)
Development of the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 Student Assessment Testing Calendars
Updates to the calendar include the following:
• The April administrations of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®) assessments are scheduled for the first full week in April. For 2017–2018 the STAAR grades 4 and 7 writing, grades 5 and 8 mathematics and reading, English I, and English II assessments are scheduled to be administered April 3–5, 2018. For 2018–2019 the assessments are scheduled to be administered April 2–4, 2019. Report dates have been adjusted accordingly.
• The May administrations of the STAAR assessments are scheduled for the first full week in May. For 2017–2018 the STAAR grades 3–4 and 6–7 mathematics and reading, grades 5 and 8 mathematics and reading (retest), grades 5 and 8 science, and grade 8 social studies assessments and STAAR Algebra I, biology, and U.S. History assessments are scheduled to be administered May 7–10, 2018. For 2018–2019 the assessments are scheduled to be administered May 6–10, 2019. Report dates have been adjusted accordingly.
• The summer administrations of the STAAR assessments are scheduled for late June. For 2017–2018 the STAAR grades 5 and 8 mathematics and reading (retest) and STAAR EOC assessments are scheduled to be administered June 25–29, 2018. For 2018–2019, the assessments are scheduled to be administered June 24–28, 2019. Report dates have been adjusted accordingly.
• Report dates for the STAAR English III and Algebra II voluntary assessments have changed and these assessments will now be reported on the same date. For 2017–2018 these assessments will be reported by August 10, 2018. For 2018–2019 these assessments will be reported by August 9, 2019.
Nominations and Applications for the 2017 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)
The 2016-2017 nomination and application windows for grades 7-12 mathematics and science teachers for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program are now open. The PAEMST awards are the nation's highest honors for teachers of mathematics and science. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education. AP Computer Science teachers may apply under the mathematics category. High school teachers who teach a Career and Technical Education (CTE) or a Technology Applications course that can satisfy a mathematics or science graduation credit may apply under the appropriate category. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on the behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
The 2016-2017 nomination window will close on April 1, 2017, and the application window will close on May 1, 2017. Teachers may be nominated for the award or may apply themselves at www.paemst.org. If you know great teachers, encourage them to join this prestigious network of professionals. In Texas, eligible teachers who submit a completed application by May 1, 2017 will receive 25 CPE hours.
For questions, contact Jo Ann Bilderback at tx_paemst@tea.texas.gov or 512-463-9581.
2017-2018 Innovative Course Application
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is now accepting applications for innovative courses for the 2017–2018 school year! Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Section 74.27, allows school districts to offer innovative courses to enable students to master knowledge, skills, and competencies not included in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Each innovative course must be academically rigorous and address the documented needs of students. Innovative courses must be approved by either the State Board of Education (SBOE) or the commissioner of education. State-approved innovative courses may satisfy state elective credit toward graduation. With the approval of the local board of trustees, school districts and charter schools may offer state-approved innovative courses without modifications. Get more information here!
Dynamic Math Resources for Your Students
Pre-K–Grade 2
Dynamic Paper — Need a set of pattern blocks where all shapes have one-inch sides? You can create it and more with the Dynamic Paper tool.
Grades 3–5
Turtle Pond — Students enter a sequence of commands to help the turtle get to the pond. The turtle will then move along a path according to their instructions.
Grades 6–8
Playing Fraction Track — In this two-player e-example, students take timed turns racing to the end of each fraction line by moving one or more of their markers to sum to a given fraction value.
Grades 9–12
Vector Investigation - Boat to Island — Students move the boat in the water by changing the magnitude and direction of the boat's speed (blue vector) or the magnitude and direction of the water current (red vector). Students try to land the boat on the island without hitting the walls.