Spring 2016

Recommendations

Info

Math Recovery: An Innovative Approach to Early Mathematics submitted by Rachel Zorn, Math Recovery Grant Coordinator 231-767-7336 or rzorn@muskegonisd.org Since April 2015, 102 Muskegon and Newaygo County K-5, Special Education, and Math Interventionists have joined teachers from across the state in Math Recovery ® professional development training opportunities. Teachers learn to administer diagnostic assessments that assist teachers in understanding each student’s level of proficiency. Math Recovery’s approach to instruction focuses on developing strategies for young students to use in understanding and solving problems while relying less on memorized facts, charts, or algorithms. Teachers from Muskegon Public Schools, Fruitport, Reeths-Puffer, Montague, Hesperia, North Muskegon, Orchard View, Grant, and Fremont have participated in Math Recovery professional development trainings held at the MAISD Regional Mathematics and Science Center (MRMSC). Remarks left by teachers Math Interventionist Carrie Carlson (Reeths-Puffer) works with a student on sequencing numbers forward and backwards. Second Grade Teacher Pattie Bartolini (Hesperia) observes a student counting a collection of items that are covered under a screen. in an end-of-program survey included: “We needed this, we needed help to diagnose and prescribe activities and strategies to help students.” Another commented, “This training really changed the way I look at the progression of students learning in math and how I will teach math.” others indicated the trainings were, “Wonderful! Long overdue! And excellent information on where kids need to be and when.” The MAISD Regional Mathematics and Science Center was awarded funding through a competitive Math/Science Partnership grant with the State of Michigan Department of Education to Facilitate Math Recovery professional development in Muskegon and Newaygo County; in addition to partners from across the state. The Math/Science Partnership grant will be funding the delivery of the first elementary education course at Grand Valley State University that integrates Math Recovery training. Faculty from Grand Valley State University and Kristin Frang, MAISD/Newaygo Regional Mathematics and Science Center Director, have begun work on creating this GVSU course for elementary education math majors which will take place this summer.
Entries due by April 15, 2016 Law Day 2016 Asks Tough Questions about Security, Privacy & Students’ Rights “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights?” These brief words are well-known, thanks to the popularity of television crime dramas. The implications, however, are far greater than the words and those implications are the subject of Muskegon County Law Day, 2016. The theme, Miranda: More Than Words, will give students throughout Muskegon County the opportunity to draw, write, and speak about the rights of the accused and broaden the thinking to a school setting. Elementary students in grades 3rd-5th can compete in an art contest, exploring the meaning of a variety of due process rights and equal protection under the law. Middle school students will be able to write an essay, arguing their position on how these rights might apply in a school setting. High school students will create persuasive speeches on the same topic. To write a strong essay or speech in response to the prompt below, students will have to struggle with the dilemmas seemingly taken right from the news: the use of police power, the extent of school authority, the need to keep schools safe, individual rights of students to privacy, and protection from self-incrimination. When a person is taken into custody and accused of breaking the law, the Supreme Court decision in Miranda v. Arizona requires police officers to inform that person of certain rights - such as the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney – before questioning the accused about the alleged crime. The law also provides those accused of a crime with the right to confront their accuser. If an assistant principal called a student into the office and accused that student of breaking a school rule, should the rights that student has in a criminal setting be applied to that student in a school setting? Should that student have the right to confront his/her accuser? Should that student have the right to have a parent present during the meeting with the assistant principal? Students are expected to provide reasoned and evidencebased arguments, not just their opinions. They are evaluated by a group of attorneys from the Muskegon County Bar Association. Prizes including scholarships for high school seniors, are awarded for the best speeches, essays, and art entries, and recognition is given to the student’s sponsoring teacher and principal. Additionally, an educator is honored by the Bar Association for their outstanding contribution to law related education. Entries for all contests are due by April 15, 2016. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1QC8fJo or contact David Klemm at dklemm@muskegonisd.org or 231-767-7255. Submitted by David Klemm, Social Studies and Special Projects Consultant, 231-767-7255 or dklemm@muskegonisd.org
Page 1 and 2: a publication of the Muskegon Area
Page 3 and 4: Weekly Tech Webinars Taught by Loca
Page 5: Report Reveals Variety of Safety an
Page 9 and 10: First Author Writing Curriculum Ser
Page 11 and 12: 2016 Student artists throughout Mus
Page 13 and 14: Literacy is important at Wesley Sch
Page 15 and 16: CTC students top in state i n cyber

Spring 2016

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?