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Northshore K-12 Math Newsletter

 
Snowflake

 

May 2019

Vol. 6, Issue 8

 

In This Issue

 

The Forgetting Curve  

The Forgetting Curve is a model that describes how information is lost over time when there is no attempt to retain it. It originated in the late 19th century with German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus.



The graph above published in this article in Quartz shows the forgetting curve is initially very steep, but Ebbinghaus found that the amount of learning retained eventually leveled off. So the next day, he might remember just a few bits of the new information but he would remember those bits for many days.

Ebbinghaus also found that the curve of forgetting could be interrupted by spaced repetition. This graph published in this article in Medium shows that when the new learning is revisited, with space between repetitions, retention is increased and sustained over longer periods of time. 



The blue line on the graph above dips into a curve to show that our memory of new facts we have learned declines over time, unless we revisit/revise that information regularly. There are 4 pink curved lines to represent how our memory retention will be higher if we revise the information we learn.


Applying to Classroom Practice

So how might we apply this in the classroom? One model from University of Waterloo suggests that we need spaced repetition, but of shorter duration over time, to retain newly learned information.



I know most math teachers will agree with this in theory. I also know many teachers find it challenging to work in this necessary review while still feeling they must march through a lesson a day to get through their curriculum and all the standards assessed on state-mandated assessments. So how can we do both?

  • Warm-ups: These must be more than filler. I realize the very real issue of trying to take attendance so you can start your lesson, but warm-ups can be prime times to revisit prior learning. 
  • Connect to prior learning: 
  • During the lesson: Whenever possible, connect the current lesson to prior learning. This creates opportunities to revisit concepts while still moving forward.
  • Closure: I can not overstate the importance of closure. If you have gotten out of the habit of 'summing it up', use the last few minutes of class to summarize the new learning and make connections to prior learning. It is one of the best ways I have found to improve student retention and understanding. 

Math Curriculum Adoption 

for Algebra 1 - Geometry - Algebra 2

After a review of current research and instructional materials, the High School Math Adoption Team has recommended enVision AGA 2018 for piloting during the 2019-2020 school year. 

For details about our process or our adoption time line, please visit High School Math Adoption on the NSD Math Toolbox. 

Curriculum Implementation 

for Middle School Mathematics
 

Core Focus Quarterly Implementation Meetings

During this first year of implementation, teachers have met each quarter to plan implementation of Core Focus instructional materials and give feedback on the NSD Scope & Sequences. Our final quarterly meeting for 6-8 math teachers will be on June 6, and our final meeting for 4-5 EAP teachers will be on June 11. Please see 6-8 Math Implementation PD for meeting agendas and resources. 

Core Focus Math Training with Shannon McCaw

On April 29, Shannon McCaw worked with NSD teachers who are implementing Core Focus instructional materials in the classroom this year. Please see 6-8 Math Implementation PD for the meeting agenda and resources from this training. 

TOSA Support

I would love to meet with you, your department, and/or your PLC to help support the implementation of these new instructional materials in your classroom! If you would like to collaborate to plan a lesson or unit, co-teach a lesson, or use an Engaging Math Activity with your students, please don't hesitate to ask. :)

For more information about the 6-8 Math Implementation, please visit 6-8 Math Implementation on the NSD Math Toolbox.

Other Professional Learning Opportunities 


Northwest Math Conference, October 2019

The 2019 Northwest Mathematics Conference will be held Thursday, October 10th through Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at the Tacoma Convention center and the neighboring Hotel Murano.

The Northwest Mathematics Conference brings together mathematics teachers from all levels of primary, secondary, and undergraduate education to learn and share about mathematics and pedagogy. This year's featured speakers include Julia Aguirre and Dan Meyer. I am also honored to be presenting as well! 

Registration will open mid-May. Click here for more information. 

Classroom and School Support


Please contact me if I can help support you. This year I have had the opportunity to:
  • meet with groups of teachers at several elementary schools to learn about the priorities in the CCSS,
  • teach model lessons from our new middle school math curriculum in EAP and middle school math classes,
  • participate in math department planning sessions at several middle schools as they move toward increasing the number of 8th graders enrolled in Algebra,
  • plan 3-Act Math Tasks with teachers, 
  • help teachers plan and implement Desmos activities in several classrooms. 
If I can support your work with students or your department, please don't hesitate to ask! 

Links & Resources


Things I'm Checking Out...

This newsletter comes to you by:
 

Patty Stephens

K-12 Mathematics Curriculum Specialist
Northshore School District
Email: pstephens@nsd.org
Copyright © 2019 Northshore School District, All rights reserved.


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