This session will guide educators through the powerful Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) progression, with a focus on Expressions and Equations. Participants will learn how to effectively scaffold learning by transitioning students from hands-on, concrete experiences to visual representations, and finally to abstract mathematical concepts. Through collaborative activities and practical examples, we will explore how different models—such as tape diagrams and hanger diagrams—evolve from early arithmetic reasoning to more complex algebraic thinking, and how these models can be used to support students' understanding of equations across grades 3–8.
Effective mathematical discourse is a cornerstone of deep conceptual understanding in mathematics. This session, designed specifically for instructional leaders, will equip you with the tools and strategies to support teachers in fostering rich and productive math discourse within their classrooms, leveraging high quality curriculum. We will explore how to build teacher capacity in creating an Optimal Learning Environment that encourages student voice and mathematical reasoning. Participants will learn how to provide targeted feedback on questioning techniques, facilitate professional learning communities focused on discourse strategies, and leverage data to monitor the impact of discourse-focused instruction. We will delve into strategies for modeling effective discourse practices, observing and analyzing classroom interactions, and providing teachers with actionable steps for improvement. Leave this session with a clear understanding of how to lead and support teachers in cultivating a classroom culture where all students actively engage in meaningful mathematical conversations, leading to improved student outcomes.
Discover how to harness the power of AI to transform the math teaching experience. From lesson planning to grading, technology can save time on daily tasks while keeping classroom standards high, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. In this session, participants will learn best practices for teaching with tech and listen to the experience of a district already integrating digital technology to elevate their instruction, build community, and meet students where they are.
Tywana Fulford is the PreK - 5 Mathematics Specialist at Open Up Resources. She devotes her career to helping children find their love for math. Tywana has been in education for almost 20 years with a bachelors in Mathematics Education from Florida A&M University and a masters degree... Read More →
Discover how to harness the power of AI to transform the math teaching experience. From lesson planning to grading, technology can save time on daily tasks while keeping classroom standards high, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. In this session, participants will learn best practices for teaching with tech and listen to the experience of a district already integrating digital technology to elevate their instruction, build community, and meet students where they are.
We will engage in the mathematics of the lesson, Something To Talk About (What does it mean to be quadratic?). We will consider the features that make the lesson accessible for students and fundamental for understanding quadratic functions. After doing mathematics together we will share our insights from implementation in my own classroom and our observations of others.
