Jon Wray (@jonathanwray) and I have been working diligently over the past two months focused primarily on this question, “How will our nation emerge from the transition to the Common Core State Standards – Mathematics? Further, how can we ensure that, as a nation, we are better suited to prepare students with a conceptual understanding of mathematics?” It did not take us long to realize that we will not emerge in a better place if we simply try to repackage or retrofit our current habits of mathematics instruction. So the big question is, “How do we help a nation of educators learn how to provide real-world experiences that help to develop a relational understanding of mathematics? “ (Adding it Up, 2000) Further, how do develop resources to support teacher development while also provide resources that can enhance classroom experiences?
The answer may be simpler that you realize. (A task that has been initiated by myself, Jon Wray, and a developing firm located in Silver Spring, MD. (ClassFive)) The key resides with us…ALL OF US!!! Rather than wait for states departments of education, district curriculum offices, or commercial publishers to slowly develop sets of resources to accommodate our needs, we should begin contributing to a social community of practitioners immediately. (well, in a few weeks anyway)
The idea is for each vested stakeholder (students, parents, community members, teachers, teacher leaders…EVERYONE) to challenge himself or herself to contribute just one exemplary idea to the community. These ideas will be guided by research-informed rubrics to ensure that the quality of the submission meets expectations. Community members will rate each resource (videos explaining how to develop ideas conceptually, lesson sample, worthwhile math tasks, essential understandings, etc) with resources being organized by Common Core Standard. The beauty of the design rest with the review process. Similar to sites like www.amazon.com or www.ebay.com, users will access those resources that rate the highest. (Not sure about you but I never buy the “One out of Five Stars” seller on Amazon)
There are a number of issues related to this rather simple idea. First, the content management system has to be refined to accommodate multiple platforms and mobile devices ($$$...Classfive is on the case but we are always looking for help here). Second, we need to come to some consensus as to the resources that will be open for submission. We are nonnegotiable with one resource…we will definitely be addressing the big elephant in the room…the fact that American math teachers (particularly at the secondary level) have never been taught how to and have never been accountable for the development of deep understanding in mathematics. So, resources (pencasts, video samples, etc) to help teachers learn to teach conceptually with are being developed. In regards to other resources, we have some ideas but are looking for input from stakeholders. Finally, we have to get the word out. We believe that this initiative could be viral in nature. What is more American that solving our own crisis by working together to present solutions?
In the coming posts (posted weekly from here on out), I will share out some of the ideas that are emerging from this project. I am also looking for help from the community to share ideas, refine process, and to contribute content. Seriously, we all have at least one great idea to share!
Until next time, take care.
Bill
(William_barnes@hcpss.org, @billjbarnes)
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