The Algebra Project is a professional
development effort that will provide a two-week summer
institute and four days of follow-up training for forty,
fifth through ninth grade teachers of algebra. A Lead
Teacher model will be used so that each of the ten
buildings involved in the project will have the benefit
of an expert to model new strategies, to encourage
teacher understanding and implementation of new methods,
and to serve as a link between IU East and their respective
buildings. Fayette County teachers will receive three
graduate credits for attending Part I, held during
years one and two of the grant project, and three additional
credit hours for attending Part II during year three.
Part II will be an advanced study of algebra content
and methodology. Two IU East faculty members will provide
instruction each summer so that elementary and secondary
teachers can focus on their unique needs as identified
through the needs assessment.
The goals of The Algebra
Project are based upon a thorough needs assessment
that included a written content and methodology test
that was administered to all grade five through nine
teachers, written surveys and teacher interviews. The
results showed a need for a course focused on the fundamentals
of algebra for elementary teachers with a more advance
focus for secondary teachers. All teachers will learn
how both technology and manipulatives can be utilized
to support a variety of instructional strategies.
Click here for project photos |
April 2006 through April 2009 |
Goal 1: Teachers will solidify and
enhance their knowledge surrounding the fundamentals
of algebra.
Goal 2: Teachers will learn how technology can be used
to support a variety of instructional strategies.
Goal 3: Teachers will develop skills encompassing inquiry
based math instruction to
include discovery, manipulatives, and constructivism.
Goal 4: Student achievement in algebra will increase as teacher understanding
of algebra content and methodology increases.
|
FCSC (FCSC) and
Indiana University East (IU East) have successfully
partnered during inservice and preservice opportunities
for many years, including a recent Summer Science Institute
through IU East and preservice field experience placements
through Fayette County. The Algebra Project provides
the opportunity for a long-term partnership that will
benefit both institutions. Teachers in grades five
through nine will receive professional development
from the IU East Mathematics Department and the School
of Education to increase teacher understanding of the
fundamentals of algebra and to provide research based
strategies for teaching algebra to students. IU East
preservice teachers will benefit from field experience
placements with cooperating teachers involved in ongoing
professional development. This has been a growing need
in IU East programs. The university as a whole will
benefit as incoming freshman students come to the university
with better preparation in Algebra. |
Twenty-three 5th – 9th grade
teachers received 3 graduate credit hours this summer
after attending a two week summer institute with IU
East. Teachers received 2 hours of content instruction
from one professor, then rotated to receive 2 hours
of methods from another professor. Teachers were grouped
into secondary and elementary sections, however, holding
the classes in the same building allowed for collaboration
on some activities. One day was spent as a whole group
as participants examine the standards above and below
their grade level to determine power standards for
their grade.
For more information please visit the E=MC2 Website:
www.engr.iupui.edu/emc2/ |
I thought the Algebra institute was
great. By including the content element my confidence
in teaching Algebra was increased. In addition to that
the learning strategies seemed practical and easy to
implement.
The two part approach was a good idea – the
methods and the content.
I know I’ll be better
prepared to teach my students Algebra this year because
of the institute. Thanks for a great summer! |
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