Event Archives

Policy Challenges Conference: Bridging Research and Practice
Using Research to Inform Mathematics Policy & Practice in Maine: A Focus on Algebra Recommendations in the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report

August 13, 2009
Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine
Augusta, Maine

Hosted by:
Regional Educational Laboratory Northeast and Islands, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education and the New England Comprehensive Center

VIDEO FILES BELOW

This conference focused on “Foundations for Success: The Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.” Created by President George W. Bush in 2006, the panel was charged with reviewing the best available scientific evidence and making recommendations for improving mathematics education among American students, with a particular focus on readiness for and success in algebra.

Co-author Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell presented findings and recommendations from the report to math teachers, instruction specialists, and policymakers from across Maine. One of 24 panelists who reviewed more than 16,000 research studies, Fennell chaired the Panel’s Task Group on Conceptual Knowledge and Skills.

In the afternoon, participants attended additional sessions on math-related REL-NEI research studies; online professional development for Algebra I teachers; addressing accessibility in mathematics; and using interactive technology tools to diagnose and address students’ math misconceptions.

View the slides from Dr. Fennell’s presentation (PDF, 1.17MB).

___________________

Video from the conference is available for viewing. Users may stream speakers below. For more information on this event, e-mail relneiinfo@edc.org.

Introduction

Fred Gross
Math Specialist, New England Comprehensive Center

View (6:53)

foundations for success: the final report of the national mathematics advisory panel

Dr. Francis “Skip” Fennell
Professor of Education, McDaniel College; Past President, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Full Keynote (1:27:21)

• Introduction (8:09)
• Obama Administration and Education (7:07)
• Details of Math Panel (6:07)
• Story of this Report (2:11)
• Recommendations for Math Curricular Content (pre-Algebra) (6:03)
• Recommendations for Algebra Curricular Content (8:03)
• Research on Curricular Content (5:02)
• Discussion of Fractions (11:53)
• Recommendations for Learning (9:38)
• Recommendations for Teachers and Teacher Education (8:26)
• Recommendations for Instructional Practices (4:50)
• Next Steps (4:54)

Questions & Answers with Dr. FENNELL

Full Session (24:00)

• Question 1: Critiques of Math Panel (6:03)
• Question 2: Self-Contained Classrooms vs. Specialists (3:53)
• Question 3: Effective Interventions (2:57)
• Question 4: Distance Education (3:27)
• Further Discussion: Distance Learning in Maine (7:05)

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

• Online Professional Development for Algebra I Teachers: EdTech Leaders Online (ETLO) (56:40)
• An Introduction to Curriculum Topic Study (41:31)
• Addressing Accessibility in Mathematics: Strategies for School and District Leadership (53:04)
• Diagnosing and Addressing Student Misconceptions with Interactive Technology Tools (56:37)
• Studying Access to Algebra I for Eighth-Graders: The Pathways to Math Achievement Study (33:08)
• Improving Mathematics Education for Students with Disabilities: A Summary of Six Case Studies (29:54)

Related REL-NEI Research:

• Math Education Practices for Students with Disabilities and Other Struggling Learners: Case Studies of Six Schools in Two Northeast and Islands Region States (PDF, Issues & Answers Report)
• Pathways to Math Achievement Study (Randomized Controlled Trial)
  

Supplemental Materials:

• Center on Instruction: A Road Map for Mathematics Achievement for All Students: Findings from the National Mathematics Panel Report [K-12]
• Education Week Online Chat (May 5, 2009) with Skip Fennell and Vern Williams (former National Math Panel member, teacher)