Mathematics

One thread of the CADRE Algebra SIG discussion has focused on obstacles to student success in elementary algebra. For example, proficiency in numerical calculations with integers and rational numbers is often raised as a prerequisite for success in algebra; yet many students who have these skills still find algebra difficult. The panel will discuss other potential ingredients to success in high school algebra that are often short-changed in school mathematics and school culture.

The topic of this session will be the exploration of alternative approaches to designing diagnostic assessments in STEM learning. The discussion will concentrate on the full range of methodological decisions involved in drawing on current knowledge of student thinking on key ideas and transforming it into assessment strategies based on underlying models of how knowledge develops over time.

This session will critically examine conjectured Early Algebra Learning Progressions for grades 3–8 for coherence, alignment, and completeness.

The capabilities of interactive, Web-based media offer approaches that can be especially valuable to students and teachers who find STEM content challenging to learn. Through the lenses of both general education and special education, the presenters are designing new products to be effective for all teachers and students. Web-based tools link multiple visual representations and allow immediate feedback to teachers and students. See and discuss free tools that Dynabook and SmartGraphs are developing.

What are the central challenges that face research and development teams in their efforts to prepare facilitators to do the work of leading mathematics professional development? 

What do educators need to support their implementation of the Common Core Standards for Mathematics? 

In the summer of 2010, a joint task force of ASSM, AMTE, NCSM and NCTM produced an action plan for supporting implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. In this session, presenters will share and discuss the recommendations and action items, and will seek input from the audience.

What are the opportunities and challenges that arise when trying to harness psychometric models for diagnosis in STEM education?        

In this panel discussion, panelists will identify some ideas that are becoming well-established by researchers even though they were by no means evident just 15–20 years ago and are yet to be assimilated into curricula and teacher education programs. They will identify what they consider to be critical issues for children to make progress in algebra in grades 1–5.

In this session, panelists from five NSF-funded gaming projects will discuss ways in which digital game-based learning can enable learner-led exploration, taking games beyond the "quiz" model many educators still think of.