Teachers who are highly qualified in their content area(s) and paraprofessionals who can competently assist math classes are essential to a successful math program.   In addition, effective implementation of national and state math standards can only occur if educators expand their understanding not only of mathematics across all strands, but also of pedagogy and teaching tools.  With extensive background in mathematics education at all levels we offer a wide range of options to meet the differing needs of schools. We will work with you to develop professional development that is timely, meaningful, productive, and tailored to meet your goals.

Here are three sample topics:

Problem Solving and Performance-Based Assessment:

A comprehensive math program revolves around skills, concepts, and problem solving across all strands. Problem solving is a vital component, for this is where true understanding and knowledge are applied.  As schools strive to raise standards, state assessments now reflect an interest in understanding not only whether students can accurately solve problems, but also how they arrive at their solutions. This focus on performance gives teachers more insight into what a student knows, understands, and can do. Furthermore, by cultivating and reflecting on their own strategies students gain more confidence, versatility, and power to approach and solve problems.

Topics addressed in Problem Solving and Performance-Based Assessment might include:

• Linking CCSSM Mathematical Practices
• Defining problem solving and selecting quality tasks
• Using rubrics to assess student work
• Creating a climate conducive to problem solving
• Incorporating problem solving into your day (time management, grouping, using tasks for
  different purposes, goal setting)
• Building capacity across the school/district for effective implementation
• Using manipulatives in problem-based math classroom
• Embedding problem solving and social justice across the curriculum

Training the Trainers:

When taken as a whole, student-centered initiatives present a dynamic model for collaborative learning. In these workshops we help school groups set goals and develop strategies for fostering collaborative learning communities within classrooms, across schools, and throughout districts.  Accomplishing this requires an understanding of how groups function, communicate, and make decisions.

Topics for Training the Trainers might include:

• Leadership: how to capitalize on different leadership styles

• Communication: how to improve interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication

• Group Dynamics: how groups function, for better or worse

• Workshop Presentation: how to be an effective workshop presenter

Training the Trainers is especially useful for those in leadership roles, such as:

• Classroom teachers interested in peer observation, study groups, and mentoring

• In-house coaches and specialists

• Math committee members

• Curriculum coordinators

• Principals, superintendents, and school board members

Growing Peace:

Tailored to a school’s culture and goals we offer strategies in peacemaking, social justice, youth activism, mindfulness, restorative justice, gratitude, nature-inspired learning, caring for the earth, conflict resolution, positive communication, and the like.