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In supporting equal access to challenging mathematical content, it is critical to implement instructional practices shown to be effective with linguistically diverse and economically disadvantaged students. Traditional secondary level practices simply are not enough in the instruction of heterogeneous populations with increasingly challenging needs.

To maximize mathematical proficiencies and impact student achievement, instructional and administrative staff must be prepared to address different needs in an age of increasing expectations and mandatory accountability for diverse students. It is no longer enough for students to simply “do well” on state-mandated exams. It is necessary to increase the understanding, complexities and applications of mathematical thinking and processes across all math courses in order to satisfy state and federal mandates and prepare our students for an ever competitive job market.

To address these issues IDRA’s Math Smart! presents a shift in mathematical thinking for instructors, that develops the five dimensions of mathematical proficiency using scientifically-based researched strategies. CPE credit is available.

See story about a sample Math Smart! institute with photos.

Benefits and Outcomes

• Strengthen the belief that all students can increase their achievement on state-mandated exams and that students’ understanding of mathematics can be deepened to levels of increasing complexity.
• Value students’ experiences as a basis for strengthening their mathematics competency.
• Take advantage of a safe environment to explore mathematical concepts in new ways and to support peer collegiality among math teachers who are experiencing success.
• Move from a traditional math instruction approach to a broader paradigm that makes it possible to affirm that all students really can learn mathematics.

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IDRA Support
Math Smart! training uses a variety of ways to work with school staff who can include workshop training, video conferences, demonstration lessons, pre-classroom observations, project listserv web casting, online discussions and reflections. The Intercultural Development Research Association provides the following support for face-to-face and online coaching and mentoring sessions:

• Implementing the five dimensions of mathematical proficiency in a standards-based curriculum.
• Using cognitively guided instruction: Questioning techniques, teacher strategies, and building the classroom environment.
• Ongoing assessments of instructional efforts.
• Differentiating instruction in the mathematics classroom.
• Developing literacy skills (writing, reading, and building language in mathematics).
• Implementing cognitively challenging standards aligned strategies for student success in math.
• Supporting teachers through mentoring and coaching strategies.

Math Smart! Will Address Your Specific Needs
Cross-cutting themes that are incorporated into each training session include:

• “Helping Second Language Learners Excel in Math”
• “Kicking the Door Open: Increasing Student Enrollment and Achievement in Higher Level Mathematics”
• “Directing Instruction to Guide and Empower Student Mathematical Thinking”
• “Creating a Hands-On, Problem-Solving Environment to Energize Student Learning in Mathematics”
• “Propelling Student Thinking in Math Using Technology”
• “Engaging Parents to Ensure Student Success in Math”

An example of a model plan that IDRA would use with your district is in the box below

About IDRA
The Intercultural Development Research Association is an independent, private non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening public schools to work for all children.

We are committed to the IDRA valuing philosophy, respecting the knowledge and skills of the individuals we work with and build on the strengths of the students and parents in their schools.

IDRA’s professional staff members…

• Are fluent and literate in English and Spanish.
• Have many years of classroom, administrative, research and community engagement experience.
• Have graduate degrees – master’s and doctorates – from respected universities.

This information is also available in PDF.