Category Archives: Mathematics

Pushing Results-Proven Training in Literacy, Math – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

Posted on by

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond testified today in the Senate Education Committee about the need for results-proven training for all teachers of reading and math. Thurmond’s testimony was in support of Senate Bill (SB) 1115, which proposes to fund evidence-backed educator training in order to address the urgent need for improved student outcomes across the state. The committee passed the bill after Thurmond’s testimony, and the bill now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee on May 6.

Current efforts to fund educator training in literacy and math are only sufficient to train one-third of California’s educator workforce. SB 1115 would fund the remaining two-thirds. “This is an issue of moral clarity,” said Thurmond. “In the fifth-largest economy in the world, and in an age when we have access to substantial brain science about how students learn, it should be unacceptable to train only some educators in the best strategies to teach essential skills.”

Source: Pushing Results-Proven Training in Literacy, Math – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

SPI and the CDE to Host a Mathematics Convening – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

Posted on by

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond is calling all math educators and leaders, curriculum experts, researchers, industry professionals, and ed-tech innovators to a Mathematics Convening. The California Department of Education (CDE) will host “Proven Professional Development in Mathematics” on Friday, January 26, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CDE Board Room at 1430 N Street in Sacramento.

This is a pivotal opportunity to improve California students’ math proficiency and align education with the evolving demands of the jobs of tomorrow.

Interested participants are invited to contribute by submitting innovative and effective professional development modules, training programs, and curricula. The submissions should emphasize proven strategies for increasing student proficiency and engagement in mathematics.

Source: SPI and the CDE to Host a Mathematics Convening – Year 2024 (CA Dept of Education)

California Approves Revised Math Framework – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Posted on by

The California State Board of Education today approved the 2023 Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools, instructional guidance for educators that affirms California’s commitment to ensuring equity and excellence in math learning for all students.

“I’m thankful for everyone who worked tirelessly to develop this framework to ensure California’s students have equitable access to rigorous and high-quality math instruction that will prepare them for the future. The framework has struck a great balance in new ways to engage students in developing a love for math while supporting those on an accelerated path,” said Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Our State Superintendent is a champion of equity and excellence, and it is our core mission that every child—regardless of race, ZIP code, or background—has access to a quality education. The approval of the revised Math Framework is one more step forward to meeting the needs of all California’s students.”

Source: California Approves Revised Math Framework – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

SSPI Announces 2022 PAEMST Finalists – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

Posted on by

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond honored six outstanding mathematics and science teachers today who are finalists from California for the 2022 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

“These teachers have persevered through the challenges of the past year and are prime examples of excellence in the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and math to their students,” Thurmond said. “Their incredible efforts inspire STEM and computer science students to think creatively and critically in the classroom in preparation for the challenges of tomorrow.”

The PAEMST program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Presidential Award recipients are honored at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., and receive a $10,000 special award from the NSF.

Source: SSPI Announces 2022 PAEMST Finalists – Year 2022 (CA Dept of Education)

Imagine That! program provides learning, socialization – Daily Republic

Posted on by

By Amy Maginnis-Honey

Imagine That!, a science, technology, engineering, arts and math museum for children of all ages, has turned its main exhibit area into a classroom hosting 30 kindergartners through sixth-graders.

The desks are separated by 6 feet, temperatures are checked daily and all wear a mask.

When it’s time for recess, the children are welcome to explore some of the exhibits and take a spin on The Spinner, which is comparable to having your own merry-go-round.

Source: Imagine That! program provides learning, socialization

New grant program will focus on executive function, math – Education Dive

Posted on by

By Linda Jacobsen

A paper appearing earlier this year in the Early Childhood Research Quarterly showed gaps in kindergartners’ executive function skills — such as being able to shift one’s attention and control inhibitions — can contribute to later difficulties in academics, including math, throughout the elementary years.

“For example, working memory deficits may contribute to difficulties in comprehending text, following multi-step instructions, or effectively using strategies to solve mathematics or science problems,” the authors wrote. They concluded that interventions focusing on “cognitive processing deficits” and that jointly address executive function as well as academic skills could benefit students.

Source: New grant program will focus on executive function, math – Education Dive

Are K–12 Students Keeping Pace in Math? – Public Policy Institute of California

Posted on by

By Paul Warren, Julien Lafortune

The California Department of Education recently released 2018 SBAC test scores that showed very modest improvement. Since last year, the percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards grew 1.1 percentage points in math. But focusing only on these year-to-year comparisons means that we miss the longer-term picture. That is, we don’t see how the same group of students are progressing over time. When we look at SBAC math scores in this manner, we have some cause for concern—but there are bright spots, too.

In the figure below, we show the growth in math test scores from grade to grade—that is, we can see how last year’s third graders performed in fourth grade, and so on. If growth is less than 100 percent, students aren’t keeping up with grade-level standards. If it is greater than 100 percent, student growth is outpacing what is expected by the standards. For instance, fourth grade students gained roughly 80 percent of the increase needed to keep pace with the proficiency standards.

Source: Are K–12 Students Keeping Pace in Math? – Public Policy Institute of California

Solano County Office of Education lands $50K grant to support math, science – The Reporter

Posted on by

By Richard Bammer

Some say “throwing money at schools” makes little or no difference in student achievement outcomes, but American educators generally would argue the exact opposite, asserting that money, indeed, can make a real difference and often does.

To that end, the Solano County Office of Education will use a recently received $50,000 grant to support K-5 math and science standards in area schools.

“We are excited and look forward to working with our school districts to develop model math and science lessons that are engaging and aligned with math and science standards,” Lisette Estrella-Henderson, superintendent of county schools, said in a press release about the County Implementation Award Program (CIAP). “We look forward to supporting our educators who work so hard on behalf of the students they serve.”

 

Source: Solano County Office of Education lands $50K grant to support math, science

SCOE receives grant to support math, science – Daily Republic

Posted on by

By Daily Republic Staff

The Solano County Office of Education received a $50,000 grant from the County Implementation Award Program (CIAP) to support K-5 math and science standards implementation, according to a press release.

“We are excited and look forward to working with our school districts to develop model math and science lessons that are engaging and aligned with math and science standards,” said Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson in a statement. “We look forward to supporting our educators who work so hard on behalf of the students they serve.”

A pilot team of K-5 teachers from participating school districts will collaborate to develop model lessons that will be available to all teachers by December 2018. The team will engage in a process of developing, pilot-testing, and refining these lessons in their classrooms.

Source: SCOE receives grant to support math, science

Women’s History Month is a Great Time to Honor Women Mathematicians – Daily Republic

Posted on by

By Deanna Hurn

If you post on Facebook, search on Google or write using Microsoft Word, you can thank a woman.

Because I’m an educator, mathematician and Mom to three wonderful girls, I’m committed to spreading the word about women pioneers in the field of Mathematics. In the mid-1800s, Mathematician Ada Lovelace made calculations of rational numbers in what is now known as the first computer program. Who knew?

Lovelace is one of many women mathematicians we should appreciate all year long, not just during Women’s History Month. Thanks to last year’s excellent film, “Hidden Figures,” we know the story of Katherine Johnson, one of three African-American math whizzes essential to launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit around the earth in 1962.

Source: Teacher News: Women’s History Month is a Great Time to Honor Women Mathematicians

New home for math at Vaca High – The Reporter

Posted on by

By Richard Bammer

It was a mammoth and desired present ready to use after the Christmas holidays.

Vacaville High School students, teachers, support staff and administrators ushered in the new year with a newly built $9 million, 15-classroom mathematics building, part of Vacaville Unified’s continuing districtwide campus upgrades under Measure A.

The two-story structure, which opened Monday when classes resumed, further enhances the West Monte Vista school — one of the district’s oldest at 66 years — coming five months after completion of the campus’ new and similar English building.

Source: New home for math at Vaca High

Academic Decathlon organizers seek volunteers – Daily Republic

Posted on by

By Daily Republic Staff

A variety of volunteer positions await adults who want to help at the North Bay Region Academic Decathlon Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 at Solano Community College, 4000 Suisun Valley Road.

The Academic Decathlon is a competitive event modeled after the Olympics to stimulate academic achievement and honor “athletes of the mind.” The competition among high school students centers on art, music, literature, mathematics, economics, science and social science.

A list of volunteer jobs, and a volunteer form, can be found at NBRAD Application.

For more information, send an email to Ken Scarberry at kscarberry@solanocoe.net or call 646-7601.

 

Source: Academic Decathlon organizers seek volunteers

MathWorks Is The New Sponsor Of High School Math Modeling Competition – Forbes

Posted on by

By Alex Knapp

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) announced today that it has found a sponsor for its annual math modeling competition. Boston-based MathWorks, which creates software such as MATLAB and Simulink. The competition has been newly-named the MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge, and the three-day competition will begin on March 2 of next year.

The terms of the sponsorship haven’t been made public, but last summer, SIAM had stated it was looking for a commitment of at least 3 years for $1.2 million annually.

“We see this opportunity to support SIAM as another step in our efforts to motivate and inspire young students to consider and pursue STEM careers,” Lauren Tabolinsky, MathWorks’ academic program manager, said in a statement.

Source: MathWorks Is The New Sponsor Of High School Math Modeling Competition

Math festivals help elementary students — and their families — see math as fun | EdSource

Posted on by

By Ashley Hopkinson

A dozen parents gathered around veteran math educator Leanna Baker, moments before students show up for what is billed as a math “festival” for students at Allendale Elementary School in Oakland.

“Do your best not to give them an answer,” Baker told the dozen parent volunteers about how best to help the transitional kindergarten to fifth grade students participating in math activities arranged for that day. “We want them to be problem solvers.”

Interviews by EdSource with educators at several school districts suggests that a growing number of elementary schools are hosting events like these for students and families to convey the message that math is fun and can be practiced every day in simple ways in their own lives, not just in the classroom.

Source: Math festivals help elementary students — and their families — see math as fun | EdSource

Brown signs bill to help boost community college student achievement – Daily Republic

Posted on by

By Daily Republic Staff

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill into law Thursday that allows more community college students to bypass remedial English and math courses and begin directly in college-level math and English, according to a press release.

Nearly 170,000 California community college students enter remedial math, for example, with as many as 110,000 failing to complete the math requirements required for a degree, according to the release.

Assembly Bill 705 will require colleges to use the high school grades or students rather than standardized tests to make accurate and equitable placement decisions, and ensure students are placed into courses that give them the best chances of completing college-level courses within a year.

Source: Brown signs bill to help boost community college student achievement

New Professional Learning Support Director – Year 2017 (CA Dept of Education)

Posted on by

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced that he has appointed Barbara Murchison as Director of the California Department of Education (CDE) Professional Learning Support Division.

Murchison will oversee the division’s efforts to support educators throughout their professional career, from recruitment to leadership opportunities. This division works in collaboration across the Department and the state, helping educators implement the California Standards and curriculum frameworks.

It administers several professional learning programs for educators at all levels and in all content areas, including science, technology, engineering, math, history-social science, literacy, and arts, with the goal of ensuring equitable learning opportunities for the state’s most vulnerable students, including English learners.

Murchison most recently served as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) State Lead, where she helped create a plan that meets federal requirements while shifting away from top-down decision-making and toward local control that helps local school districts better meet their own needs. The plan was developed over 18 months with input from thousands of Californians.

Source: New Professional Learning Support Director – Year 2017 (CA Dept of Education)

BUSD to tackle state test data at Thursday’s school board meeting – Benicia Herald

Posted on by

By Nick Sestanovich

The school board will hear a report and discussion on the data from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) at Thursday’s meeting.

The SBAC is a statewide assessment administered to all third through eighth-graders and 11th-graders in the areas of English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The SBAC replaced the California Standards test following the state’s shift to Common Core standards and allow students to not only answer questions in a variety of formats but also require students to explain their answers in an effort to demonstrate their knowledge. It also utilizes a computer whereas the previous test used the traditional pencil and paper.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Leslie Beatson and Educational Services Coordinator Stephanie Rice will dive into the findings from the results at Thursday’s meeting.

Source: BUSD to tackle state test data at Thursday’s school board meeting

California delays release of Smarter Balanced scores | EdSource

Posted on by

By John Fensterwald

The California Department of Education has postponed the release of statewide results of the Smarter Balanced assessments in math and reading, which were to be published on Tuesday.

The department announced the delay Friday, citing a “recently identified data issue.” It offered no more details and did not set a new date for the release. The department had said the results would be released in September, then earlier this month pushed the date up to Aug. 29. Last year, the department released the scores on Aug. 24. In 2015, the first year of the full test, scores were released on Sept. 9.

School districts have had access to their own results for several weeks. And many parents already have received a report on their children’s individual scores, with a comparison with last year’s results.

Source: California delays release of Smarter Balanced scores | EdSource

Cal State drops intermediate algebra as requirement to take some college-level math courses | EdSource

Posted on by

By Mikhail Zinshteyn

A new policy from the California State University system will soon allow some students to take math classes with pre-requisites other than intermediate algebra to satisfy the math requirements they need for graduation.

The new rules go into effect starting in the fall of 2018 and will apply to both CSU freshmen and community college students transferring into the 23-university system. The changes will permit students who are not pursuing math or science majors to take non-algebra based math courses for general education, such as statistics, personal finance or even game theory and computer science.

Source: Cal State drops intermediate algebra as requirement to take some college-level math courses | EdSource

Summer and school year programs give the very lowest math achievers answers, and hope | EdSource

Posted on by

By Carolyn Jones

Cesar Conriquez, 12, was doing OK in math until 4th grade, when the curriculum turned to division. He got stuck. Really stuck. As his class moved on to more complex mathematical equations, Cesar was increasingly mired in confusion, and his grades in 4th and 5th grade plummeted.

“My teacher was helping me out but I still didn’t get it. Fractions, whole numbers … I couldn’t do it. It was stressing me out,” said the Pittsburg youth. “I wasn’t happy with my report card and my parents weren’t either. So I asked if I could get extra help.”

His parents enrolled him in Pittsburg Unified’s Summer Math Institute, a free, five-week intensive math program for middle-school students of all abilities, with special classes for students whose math skills are several grades below where they should be.

Source: Summer and school year programs give the very lowest math achievers answers, and hope | EdSource