The year 2006 saw the first administration of the grades 3 - 8 mathematics tests. There is still much to be learned from those test results and the 2007 Mathematics Institute will give teachers an opportunity to hear from an education leader in mathematics on making mathematics more meaningful in the classroom. In the afternoon you will participate in a facilitated discussion with teachers who use research in their classroom.

Program Description

The Mathematics Institute on Friday, February 2, 2007 will feature Dr. Robert Gyles of the Hunter College Mathematics Center for Learning and Teaching.  Dr. Gyles has been an adjunct professor of mathematics education at Hunter and Bank Street College and has co-authored many numerous mathematics text books.  Dr. Gyles worked with the UFT’s Teacher Center on providing professional development for teachers.  Dr. Gyles and he Hunter College Mathematics Center for Learning and Teaching regularly conduct research on effective methods of teaching mathematics.  Dr. Gyles’ philosophy is that “teachers have a domino effect:  one good teacher will transform other lives of hundreds and hundreds of students.”  Dr. Gyles will focus on the connection between the NCTM’s Curriculum Focus Points and the NYS Mathematics Core Curriculum.  He will show how the math core curriculum is a comprehensive approach to balanced instruction focus is on three components:  conceptual understanding, procedural fluency and problem-solving.

The afternoon sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a dialogue with teachers who use Dr. Gyles’ research and philosophy on how to create a differentiated classroom through bridging the gap between conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge.

Who Should Attend the Mathematics Institute?

• Teachers of mathematics in grades 3 - 8
• Teachers of students with disabilities in those grade levels
• Teachers of English language learners
• Academic Intervention Services providers and teaching assistants who work with students in grades 3-8

Why Should I Attend?

• Learn instructional strategies to improve your students' mathematics skills
• Meet colleagues who teach the same grade levels
• Enjoy a day of stimulating intellectual conversation
• Be a part of the solution to closing the achievement gap

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A Pre Institute Event - "Working with Educational Technology"

Thursday, February 1, 2007, 7:30 pm

With educational technology becoming an increasing part of the mathematics curriculum, teacher will participate in a demonstration of the latest innovations in graphing calculators and system applications.

An optional dinner is available for a $25.00 fee from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required.

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Mathematics Institute

Friday, February 2, 2007 -- 10am-3:30pm

Outcomes: Participants will use the information learned at the morning session, along with the facilitated afternoon sessions, to reflect on their classroom practices.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  Registration, Continental Breakfast
• 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
  Welcome by Maria Neira, Vice President NYSUT
• 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  Keynote by Dr. Robert Gyles from CUNY Hunter, Mathematics Center for Teaching and Learning
• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  Q&A
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  Lunch
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  Three sessions: Grades 3 and 4; Grades 5 and 6; Grades 7 and 8. Teachers from schools using Dr. Gyles' research in their classroom and some who participate in the CUNY Hunter College Mathematics Center for Teaching and Learning professional development opportunities and in-school support.
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  Wrap-up and next steps

Institutes Follow up Sessions

Saturday, May 5, 2007 from 9am-12pm

As part of your overall Institute experience this year, and at no additional cost, you may attend a follow-up session. Further instructions will be provided at the Institutes.

The sessions will take place at three locations at NYSUT Offices in:

• Albany
• Syracuse
• Elmsford

With NYSUT Education and Learning Trust (ELT) instructors as guides, you will have an opportunity to reflect on the research, thinking, and instructional strategies you learned about at the Institutes, and hopefully, have had a chance to apply in your classrooms. You will be participating in a facilitated professional development conversation, talking and sharing with colleagues, what you learned, its application in your classroom, and perhaps new questions that will enhance your experience. Please bring examples of student work, lessons, materials or instructional strategies resulting from what you learned at the Institutes and have had an affect on student learning. You will also have an opportunity to bring a colleague who may not have had a chance to attend the Institute, but with whom you work to share and expand on your experience.