CATALyST

IMPACTS! in Mathematics

IMPACTS! (IMproving Practice And Content knowledge for Teachers and Students) in Mathematics is an outgrowth of the IMPACTS! In Science partnership between the Monroe City Schools and Louisiana Tech CATALyST. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education/ Louisiana Math and Sciences Partnership program, this three-year project is designed to prepare middle grades mathematics teachers with the content knowledge and instructional/assessment skills necessary to positively impact student achievement. IMPACTS! is led by an experienced project team that includes University faculty from mathematics, a mathematics/science educator, and two award-winning former mathematics teachers. Twenty-eight Monroe City mathematics teachers, grades 6-8, and four secondary mathematics teachers funded by Monroe City participate in the program each year. Content focus varies each year based on needs assessment (Year One focus - Algebra, Measurement, and Data Analysis; focus of Years Two and Three based on analysis of student achievement data and teacher input) and is aligned with state standards and Grade Level Expectations.

The program follows the same model as do other CATALyST professional development programs: an intensive 12 day summer institute, five academic year workshops, a year-long electronic learning community, two academic year projects, classroom visits by project staff, and a strong evaluation component. Mathematics content, inquiry, strategies for problem solving, communication of mathematical thinking, and teaching methodologies are closely integrated by the instructional team.

Participants work in cooperative learning groups throughout the program to use a variety of problem solving strategies to answer mathematical questions; communicate their understanding of mathematical concepts orally, through diagrams, and in writing; ask and answer mathematical questions; analyze data through data tables and graphs; identify patterns and develop symbolic ways of representing those patterns mathematically; and reflect on how program experiences can be implemented within their classrooms.

For more information or to apply contact Ms. Mary Helen Blanchard at maryb@latech.edu