On Monday, October 17, the Blaine County School District will present Jonathan Brendefur, PhD speaking on Understanding the Idaho Math Initiative and Blaine County School District’s Math Curriculum. Brendefur is a professor of Mathematics Education at Boise State University. He directs the Initiative for Developing Mathematical Thinking and has provided mathematics professional development to over 12,000 teachers across the state, including Blaine County. He is published in numerous journals and has presented at over 60 different conferences nationally and internationally.
There are two opportunities to listen to Jonathan Brendefur on Monday, October 17: noon-1 pm at the Community Library in Ketchum and 6:30-8 pm at Wood River Middle School in Hailey.
Why do you need to know about the Idaho Math Initiative and BCSD’s Math Curriculum?
Consider this, according to an article written by Edward B. Rust, Jr. in Educational Week, over ten years ago:
- About six of ten employers say that high school graduates do not have the skills they need to compete in the workplace.
- Large majorities of students say they would work harder if they were genuinely challenged in school.
- More than 80% of parents say higher standards would strengthen students’ academic performance.
Last year, the state of Idaho adopted Common Core State Standards. Previously the State of Idaho created the Idaho Math Initiative, now required as part of teacher certification. Three years ago the Blaine County School District piloted the training for the Idaho Math Initiative with over 120 teachers. In June, 2011 the Blaine County School Board adopted a math curriculum.
What do parents and community members need to know? How has the role of parent/at-home support changed with instruction that engages mathematical thinking and reasoning and de-emphasizes procedural math as the primary objective and path to learning math?
Find out on Monday, October 17. Noon at The Community Library. 6:30 pm at the Wood River Middle School. Refreshments will be served.