#INspirEDmath
October 2020, Volume 25
Taking Risks Can Be Scary
Instead of backing away from taking classroom risks, engage your professional learning community (PLC) in the process. By engaging in continuous cycles of learning with your PLC you can try new instructional resources and routines to discover what's working and what isn't through data collection, goal setting, individual and collaborative learning, and implementation and adjustment of instructional practices.
This month we focus on ten tips to engage your PLC in meaningful work, focused on improving student learning and teacher satisfaction!
10 tips for effective professional learning communities
Create a shared mission, vision, and set of values
Share Personal Practice
Set goals
- Exactly what is to be accomplished
- Specific steps to achieve the goal
- Individual or group responsibility for initiating and sustaining achievement toward the goal
- Timeline for each phase of the activity
- Criteria for evaluating progress toward the goal
Plan for effective collaboration
Analyze data to determine common learning
Analyze student learning to develop common assessments
Make space for innovation
Adjust and implement practices
- Is the content interesting and challenging to students?
- Is the content meaningful?
- Does the content provide an opportunity for students to apply and extend their learning?
- Does the content allow for multiple strategies and solutions?
Focus on results
Reflect
- What tasks support teachers and students to build collective knowledge?
- How effective is your team at working collaboratively? Establish protocols to ensure effective collaboration.
- How does your physical or virtual environment encourage communication among teachers and students?
- Do the tasks you choose encourage critical thinking and creativity?
- Are you focused on results? Utilize the Circle of Concern, Influence, and Control to be more productive in the process.
- Are you engaged? Engaging in the work you're asking of your students will build an understanding of what students need to know and be able to do to complete the task.
Resources for Effective Professional Learning Communities
Learning By Doing
Doing Math Together to Build Community
Mathematics in a PLC at Work
Video of the Month
Resource of the Month
How Can We Help?
Opportunities for the Field
Virtual Access to Education 2020 Conference
Get access to: 20 sessions, keynote speaker Lance McLemore, a pre-conference educator panel, assistive technology exploratorium, UDL classroom experience, and recorded summaries of all sessions.
For more information and to register click here.
NExIDE Scholarship Program
Click here for more information and access to the application!
Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program
Learn more about TCFP here. The deadline is November 2, 2020.
Save the Date
Upcoming Chats:
October 28 - School Improvement
November 4 - #INedchat Year in Review
November 11 - Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap
November 18 - Student Takeover from Bring Change 2 Mind
December 2 - Best Ways to Serve Homeless/Unhoused Students
Follow #INedchat to be a part of the discussion!
News From IDOE
High School Math Clarifying Examples and Digital Resources Now Available on the Framework!
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- Analytical Algebra II
- Precalculus: Algebra
- Precalculus: Trigonometry
Quantitative Reasoning and Finite will be released in Fall 2020!
Higher Learning Commission Extends Deadline for Dual Credit Instructors
In light of the impact of COVID-19, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education requested in May that regional college accreditor Higher Learning Commission (HLC) extend the deadline for dual credit instructors to hold a master’s degree and at least 18 credit hours in the content area in which they teach. The HLC Board of Trustees voted to extend the deadline by one year – to September 1, 2023 – allowing faculty to have more time to earn the required credentials. The extension will not negatively impact students participating in dual credit programs. Additional details can be found here.
Educator Spotlight
Your IDOE Mathematics Team
Robin Conti
Email: rconti@doe.in.gov
Website: doe.in.gov
Location: Indiana Department of Education
Phone: (317)-233-6098
Twitter: @RobinLConti
Emily Bruning
Email: ebruning@doe.in.gov
Website: doe.in.gov
Location: Indiana Department of Education, West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: (317)-232-9142
Twitter: @MrsBruning