July 25, 2008

Indiana teachers to find formulas for effective algebra instruction

The Algebra Readiness Initiative workshops, coordinated by the I-STEM Resource Network at locations across Indiana, are designed to educate algebra teachers about the most useful instructional approaches. Topics will include cognitive demand of mathematical tasks, algebraic habits of mind, and formative assessment. Teachers also will have access to an online algebra teaching toolkit, which will offer additional resources and networking features.

"We know that a solid foundation in algebra is critical for future success in math and science related disciplines," says Bill Walker, I-STEM Resource Network coordinator. "Our goal is to provide teachers with effective instructional tools."

Catherine Brown, Indiana University professor of mathematics education, says teachers will benefit from practical ideas to take to the classroom.

 "The topics selected for the Algebra Initiative are three of the most important 'big ideas' in algebra teaching," Brown says. "Focusing on these will help Hoosier math teachers create classrooms in which students are learning algebra with greater understanding and greater success than in the past."

The dates and locations for the regional workshops are:

CENTRAL: July 28-29, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis, Informatics and Communications Technology Complex, Indianapolis

SOUTHWEST: July 30-31, University of Southern Indiana, Health Professions Center, Evansville, Ind.

NORTHEAST: July 31-Aug. 1, Indiana University Purdue University-Fort Wayne, Walb Student Union, Rooms G-08 and 114, Fort Wayne, Ind.

NORTHWEST: Aug. 11-12, Purdue University-Calumet Academic Learning Center, Merrillville, Ind.

 To register, visit https://www.istemnetwork.org/  and click on Algebra Readiness Regional Workshops.  For more information, contact the I-STEM Resource Network at (765) 494-2757, istem@istemnetwork.org.

The I-STEM Resource Network is a partnership of Indiana’s public and private higher education institutions, K-12 schools, business, and government. It supports K-12 teachers and leaders working to implement high academic standards toward literacy in science, engineering, technology and math.

The Indiana Algebra Readiness Initiative is funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, and is supported by the Indiana Department of Education.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Bill Walker, (765) 494-5890, wswalker@purdue.edu

Catherine Brown, (812) 856-8126, cathbrow@indiana.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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