Making Math More Accessible: Literacy Connections
Building number sense in the youngest learners is so important for their future success in mathematics. Annie Watson’s new book “Is Two a Lot?” can help bring out some great conversation about the magnitude of numbers and how we relate to them in the world, or more importantly, how young children relate to them. This book takes its readers on a number adventure as Joey’s imagination runs wild while his mother explains her thoughts on numbers.
Looking for more books to incorporate into your math instruction? Peruse Wayne Regional Education Service Agency’s (RESA’s) Math Book Bibliography which is aligned to the Common Core Essential Elements.
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Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC)
The MCEC 80th annual conference this year is at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, March 4 - 6, 2020. The organization is looking for presenters for their breakout sessions on Thursday and Friday related to areas such as:
- Assistive Technology
- Behavior Supports
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Early Childhood
- Gifted and Talented
- Inclusive Practices
- Instruction - English Language Aarts, Social Studies, Math, and Science
- Low Incidence
- School Improvement/Program Design
Please consider sharing your work that can benefit other educators and students. To apply, visit the MCEC presenter application page. The application deadline is November 29, 2019 at 5 p.m. As a professional courtesy, reduced rates are given to teams of up to five presenters.
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Foundations of Math
Alt+Shift has partnered with four intermediate school districts (ISDs) this year to implement Foundations of Math and/or Foundations of Math: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities practices within their districts.
- Char-Em ISD
- Eastern Upper Peninsula ISD
- Washtenaw ISD
- Wayne RESA
Strategic planning has been initiated at all sites and training has started in most. Through these partnerships, Alt+Shift is working to better understand what is needed to build capacity at the ISD level to support the efforts within the local districts. We want to support all aspects of the effort such as training, on-going implementation meetings, coaching, and evaluation.
One of the major changes implemented this year is moving the site trainings to a half-day session model. By spreading the training out over one to two years, implementers will have more time for more planning, practice, and reflection between sessions, increasing the likelihood of greater impact for teachers and students.
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Enhancing Mathematics Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties
Four educators from the Ingham ISD were recently certified to facilitate the Enhancing Math course for their district. Tara Becker-Utess, Jennifer Bricarell, Deb Carl, and LaVendee Fulton (pictured below) sought out the training as a way to support general and special education teachers as part of their district improvement plan. What follows is their implementation story of why and how they became trainers.
   
At Ingham ISD we are frequently asked by our local schools to support students who struggle in mathematics at the secondary level. Before Enhancing Math, our efforts were based on a school-by-school need and rarely involved the special education teachers. Enhancing Mathematics Instruction for Students with Learning Difficulties provided a coherent framework for supporting ALL math students, while focusing in on those who struggle (whether identified with a learning disability or not). We also appreciate the focus on bringing mathematics teachers and special education teachers together and supporting their learning in mathematics content and planning accessible lessons.
The facilitator certification process was really well done. The most challenging part was finding a person with a special education background to join our team; however, we found that this was worth the time and effort. LaVendee brings such a wonderful perspective and unique expertise to our team of general education teachers.
We are excited to be partnering with Eaton RESA to make this training available to more than 18 public and private school districts in our service areas. The participants are asked to come as a team of special education and general education teachers. They will complete the three days of training. On the third day, they will be asked to create an action plan for follow-up coaching on one to two strategies from the course they want support in implementing, and what these strategies will look like when implemented fully. The action plans will guide the follow-up coaching which may include observations and feedback, co-planning, co-teaching, modeling, or co-observations. Teams that complete all homework and engage in a follow-up coaching cycle will receive a classroom set of algebra tiles.
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Delta Math
Visual fluency cards, inspired by Graham Fletcher’s Multiplication Subitizing Cards, are now available thanks to the leadership and partnership of the Berrien RESA. Print multiple sets from the Tier 2 Tab on the Delta Math website to support student understanding using visual representations for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The cards are designed to help students see and practice the following fluency strategies:
- Add from the larger number.
- Make a ten to add.
- Think add to subtract.
- Multiply by 5 and some more.
- Think multiply to divide.
Directions are available on table tents to provide three activities that progress in complexity.
- Activity 1 - card sort where all cards begin face up.
- Activity 2 - match-up game where the number problem cards are dealt face-down and the visual answer cards are dealt face-up for players to take turns matching the problem cards with their visual answer cards.
- Activity 3 - “Concentration” with both number problem cards and visual answer cards dealt face-down for students to find pairs with the equivalent values.
Sample: Add to 20
If you have questions about the Delta Math RtI Program, please contact Mike Klavon at mklavon@oaisd.org.
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Alt+Shift Update: Assistive Technology Journey
The Assistive Technology (AT) Journey is heading to Orlando in January 2020! Mike Marotta (Assistive Technology Professional and national presenter) and Jeff Diedrich (Alt+Shift Project Director) are presenting at the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) national conference. Their breakout session, “The Michigan AT Journey: From AT Experts to AT Teams,” will discuss how the AT Journey was designed and developed, as well as share examples of learning experiences (live training, webinars, book study, social media chats, etc.) and team outcomes from those who participated in the 40-hour live AT Journey.
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Educator’s Resource: SolveMe Mobiles
The SolveMe Mobiles are designed to support algebraic reasoning in a fun and interactive format. These colorful puzzles help students who are learning algebra, as well as puzzle lovers of all ages, establish and strengthen the logic of solving equations for unknown values.
 
These puzzles:
- Support number sense.
- Encourage logical reasoning.
- Help students develop strategy in problem solving.
- Are fun and engaging.
- Encourage perseverance.
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Upcoming Alt+Shift Events
Assistive Technology Leadership Meeting
November 26, 2019
Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA)
St. Johns MI
More information to follow
Conventional Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs
February 17-18, 2019
Clinton County RESA
St. Johns, MI
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Math Around Michigan
Attaining Equitable and Ambitious Mathematics Instruction
This workshop, presented by Robert Q. Berry - National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) President, is a learning opportunity for all administrators, coaches, curriculum directors, and teachers of math education. They will engage together in learning about Ambitious Mathematics Instruction that provides for equitable learning opportunities for all students. Join us to explore strategies that empower all students to participate meaningfully in learning mathematics.
When: November 19, 2019
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Wayne County Community College (Taylor, MI)
Cost: $50
Registration deadline: November 5th
Attaining Equitable and Ambitious Mathematics Instruction workshop registration
Responsive Mathematics Institute
The Washtenaw ISD is gearing up for another year of opportunity for educators to examine mathematics instruction from an equity perspective. The institute will focus on applying culturally relevant pedagogy by developing reflective practice and responsive instruction. Dates for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year include:
Responsive Mathematics Institute November 13, 2019 Registration (open through 11/11/19)
Responsive Mathematics Institute February 19, 2020 Registration
Responsive Mathematics Institute March 12, 2020 Registration
Responsive Mathematics Institute May 6, 2020 Registration
Building Thinking Classrooms for Co-Teaching
Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) is the result of more than ten years of research by Dr. Peter Liljedahl. Join us to experience high leverage practices promoting problem solving, questioning, and thinking along with accessible routines and grouping protocols to increase opportunities for diverse learners. A local middle school teacher will share her implementation story. Secondary general and special education math teachers are welcome and encouraged to attend with building or district colleagues. Ongoing access to free resources via miPLACE will be provided.
December 18 registration is now open in Oakland County (open to out of county participants).
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford 48328
Cost: $15.00 Oakland County/$90.00 Out of County
Math In Action: Save the Date and Call for Presenters
Math in Action will be held on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
What is Math in Action? Our conference presents lively and informative discussions of current issues in mathematics education while providing an opportunity for practicing Pre-K to 12th grade teachers, prospective teachers, curriculum directors, and college and university faculty to share ideas, concerns, and resources. We include a keynote and six hour-long sessions with multiple interactive presentations in each session.
2020 Keynote Speaker: Ilana Horn, professor of Mathematics Education at Vanderbilt University and author of Motivated: Supporting Students to Share Mathematical Ideas.
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Our Other Newsletter
Subscribe to the Alt+Shift newsletter to learn more about how we can better teach students with significant disabilities.
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(Mi)2 Resources
Website: mi2.cenmi.org
(Mi)2 Update, a monthly e-newsletter: Subscribe
Technical Assistance: Contact (Mi)2
Follow us on Twitter: @Mi2_Math and Facebook
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(Mi)2 Partner Organizations
The Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics (DACTM) proactively supports Michigan math educators’ continued professional growth.
The Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) is part of a national community of educators who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education.
The Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) is the professional organization for Michigan mathematics educators at any grade level, pre-K through college.
The Michigan Mathematics and Science Leadership Network (MMSLN) collaborates with partners across the state to improve math and science teaching.
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