Sum Notes
Elementary Math Newsletter for Durham Public Schools
December 2023
Got Edulastic? YES YOU DO!
Edulastic is a resource you can find in your Clever Account. You can find NC Standards based items to practice with your students. There is even a Great Minds library! For more information, you can also contact Shaniqua_hood@dpsnc.net.
Thank you for all of your hard work in 2023!
On behalf of the Elementary Math Team, we would like to thank you for all of your hard work. There isn't one easy job in K-5 education and we know that the work you do is incredibly important to each and every student you come into contact with daily. We appreciate you and hope that you have an amazing Winter Break! Please get the rest and time off you deserve. We will see you in 2024!
Do you have a support person who could use access to the Great Minds Digital Platform?
Does your IA have access to Great Minds via Clever? If an IA, EC teacher, or other school personnel who supports K-5 math instruction would like access to the online Great Minds platform, please reach out to Stephanie_Brock@dpsnc.net.
Desmos Calculator for Grades 3-5
New to DPS?
New teachers can find support online using these materials: NTO. Always reach out to your coach if you need anything or need support with training.
Duke BOOST Program
Embarc.Online Resources
Professional Development Opportunities
edWeb Sessions:
Problem-Based Math Lessons: Harnessing the Power of the Purposeful Task
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Problem-based math lessons can be a powerful technique for building students’ conceptual understanding and application of mathematical ideas. In this edWebinar, math specialist Graham Fletcher will explore the structure of three-act math tasks and share how these tasks can be used to identify what students know and where their thinking lies within a progression of learning. Register here.
NCDPI Monthly PD Series for 2023
Register here for FREE PD for Math K-5.
NCCAT
16722 - Introduction to Modeling - Science & Engineering Practices
Feb 5-8, 2024
NC has new science standards that leverage Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs). Modeling is the central practice of the SEPs. This research-based, reform-oriented pedagogy helps correct the many weaknesses of the lecture-demonstration method of instruction found in many classrooms, including the fragmentation of knowledge, student passivity, and the persistence of naive beliefs about the physical world. Scientists learn by doing: they construct and deploy models of the real work and test their ability to predict new phenomena. The student-centered Modeling classroom focuses on turning students into scientists to replicate this process. This program will introduce teachers to the instructional methods of SEPs and Modeling. Click here to apply.
16665: Launch-Explore-Discuss: Task Based Learning in the Elementary Math Classroom
Jan 22-25, 2024
In this program, we will explore how to use tasks as the foundation for the math learning in our classrooms. Teachers will learn what a high-quality math task looks like, and how to build lessons around a task. We will be taking a deep dive into the resources on the NC Tools 4 Teachers website that support this work in your classroom. Click here to apply.
16734 - Neuroscience of Learning: Connecting the Mind, Body, and Learning to Maximize Student Engagement and Learning
March 11-14, 2024
Educational neuroscience is the study of the brain’s development, structure, and function, and is a powerful discipline that can be very helpful to teachers. Students are getting less activity, less sleep, and more digital distractions thus are less engaged in the learning process than ever before. We learn all about how to teach in our pedagogy classes but teachers very rarely get a neuroscience course. Imagine how much more effective our teaching can be if we know how the brain actually processes and learns. In this seminar, you will gain an understanding of the importance of neuroscience in education. Improve your understanding of learning and memory. Discover how to maximize student learning in the classroom through movement, mind-body connection activities, and the benefits of neuroplasticity. We will focus on what teachers need to know about how the brain learns, cognitive skills with reading and math, the role of emotions in learning, the impact of technology on our brains, and so much more. Come join this active and engaging session, and leave with a new knowledge of how to help your student learn and remember more. Click here to apply.
16740 - Building Thinking Classrooms in Elementary and Middle Grades Mathematics
April 2, 2024 Ocracoke
Now more than ever, students need math classroom structures that honor their strengths and promote mathematical thinking. Join us as we explore highly effective teaching practices that get students up out of their seats and engaged in thinking mathematically. Sessions for this program are based on the book Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl and will examine selecting math tasks and strategies for engaging learners in mathematics. This program is open to math educators in grades 3-8. Click here to apply. Click here to apply.
16661 - Instructional Routines for Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning
January 8-12
Now more than ever, students need math classroom structures that honor their strengths and promote mathematical thinking. Join us as we explore highly effective teaching practices that get students up out of their seats and engaged in thinking mathematically. Sessions for this program are based on the book Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl and will examine selecting math tasks and strategies for engaging learners in mathematics. This program is open to math educators in grades 3-8. Click here to apply.
NCCTM/NCTM
NCTM Webinars Dec 14th
Math ESL Corner
Growing Success for Multilingual Learners: 2024 Summer Conference
New Locations - Meet us in Asheville in June or Topsail in July!
Virtual Option - Can't make it in person? Join us virtually in August!
Share your Expertise - We invite all educators to submit proposals for the 2024 Growing Success for MLs Conference.
Learn more and submit a session proposal!
2023-2024 North Carolina WIDA Workshops
The NCDPI ML/Title III Team is pleased to share the 2023-24 professional development opportunities developed by WIDA for NC multilingual learner stakeholders. These WIDA workshops cover a range of topics and we invite all audiences - from K-12 content and ML teachers to district and school specialists and administrators - to join one or all of these free and informative sessions!
These free sessions range in topic and length, are self-paced and available from September 1st, 2023 through August 31st, 2024. Engage with these PDs at a time and place that is convenient for you!
See all of the 2023-24 professional development opportunities developed by WIDA for NC multilingual learner stakeholders.
Take a look at what is coming and share the information with stakeholders in your PSUs!
Curriculum Resources
Your Friendly Non-evaluative Neighborhood K-5 Math Specialist
Email: stephanie_brock@dpsnc.net
Phone: 919-560-2000 ext. 21320
K-5 Mathematics Specialist
Email: steven_harrison@dpsnc.net
Phone: 919-560-2158 ext.21754
K-5 Math Specialist for Durham Public Schools