Friday, March 13 by David Foster, Noyce Foundation

The Algebra Crisis

California eighth graders are in limbo!  There is a rising failure rate in college prep mathematics.  The state financial health is seriously impacting schools. All this comes at a time when schools are already struggling, with mixed success, to meet the needs of an ever-increasing student population in algebra.  There aren’t any silver bullets or easy remedies for this challenge, but we do know from research and experience what it does take to significantly increase the achievement of students in mathematics.  This presentation will share lessons learned and statewide data.  We will share information about high leveraged assessments, intensive professional development and support strategies for struggling students.  In crisis state, teachers need to take the lead and do what is right for students! 
Banquet tickets are required for the keynote address and for college credit.

The normal fee is unchanged:  $140 plus $45 for the Banquet and Keynote address. More details can be found at "Registration for Central Symposia". You can register on-site for $160 starting at 3 on Friday and 7:30 on Saturday. Please bring check, cash, credit card, or purchase order. On-site registration is available for all but the 3-5 session.

The Symposium is located at the Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside (Monterey County).
For room reservations call the Embassy Suites: 831-393-1115.
A complimentary breakfast is included with reservations.
Check Monterey Hotels for additional hotel listings – rates will vary.

Complimentary shuttle service to and from the Monterey Peninsula Airport.
Driving: The Embassy Suites is located just east of CA Hwy 1, Seaside/Del Rey Oaks exit.
Call the hotel for additional directions.

One semester unit of professional development credit for $65 is available through CSU Stanislaus. Course requirements include attendance at the Symposium Banquet; a description of the course and additional requirements will be available at registration.

Symposium Registration includes the President’s Welcome, sessions, lunch, raffle, and a one year subscription to the California Mathematics Council's quarterly journal, The ComMuniCator.

Affiliate memberships and $60 of the registration fee are non-refundable. Written cancellation must be emailed or postmarked by February 28. Send to Mike Contino or to
Mike Contino, CMC-C, PO Box 880, Clayton CA 94517-08810
Cancellation deadline has passed; none will be accepted. Send a substitute!

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Schedule

Friday, March 13

Saturday, March 14, Pi Day!

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This session is designed to make the most of the mathematics you teach. We will explore ways to get students actively engaged in their learning while building mathematical proficiency. You will leave with ideas that you can begin implementing on Monday.

Literature is a great way to encourage young learners. This session will use literature and hands-on lessons to teach students mathematics in a fun way. Participants will leave with lessons and a bibliography in hand. Come and get ideas to take back and use the next week. Many of the activities were written by the presenter.

Algebra tiles are a powerful tool for making abstract algebraic concepts concrete for students. Learn how this manipulative can help students make sense of a variety of concepts including integer arithmetic, solving algebraic equations, combining like terms, multiplying polynomials, and factoring. Leave with resources for purchasing or making your own class set of tiles.

Speaking the right language of mathematics can help all students develop powerful understandings and connections. The correct use of mathematical terms begins in kindergarten and develops as the child grows older. Problem solving can use this language to help foster mathematical knowledge and proficiency. Algebraic Sense has a set of specialized terms and a way of thinking that begins in kindergarten and carries through high school. Also, there are useful activities that, when used properly, help students build on conceptual understanding and create methods that are very sensible.

TI’s NSpire can energize your algebra class with its ability to graph dynamically, linking geometric representation, data capturing, and graphing capabilities.  Never seen the NSpire?  We’ll start at the beginning and you’ll be a power learner in one session.

Participants will learn instructional strategies and hands-on activities that help improve instruction and student learning. They will also experience how technology can help student comprehension by using the latest in graphing technology: the TI-Nspire. All participants will receive free demo software, access to hundreds of activities, and support material.

Participants will work through several activities based on Algebra I and Algebra II topics:

1. Pendulum swing (discover the relationship between the length of a pendulum and the time of its period)
2. Maximize your area (looking at the relationship between perimeter and area and finding the maximum graphically)
3. Knots (looking at linear relationships through tying knots in ropes)