Minnesota Council of
Teachers of Mathematics

YOU ARE INVITED TO

the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics
TENTH SYMPOSIUM ON MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

"Algebra for All:
What does this mean for Minnesota Schools?"

Thursday, April 24, 2008
Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center – Duluth, MN

Algebra has long been regarded has the gateway for students in their study of advanced mathematics.  Students’ lack of success in their study of algebra as well as a lack of success in their preparation for a formal algebra class is one of the defining characteristics of the achievement gap.  Legislation passed by the state legislature and signed by the governor in the spring of 2006 requires the eighth grade students of 2010-2011 to successfully complete the study of Algebra I as defined by the 2007 edition of the Minnesota Academic Standards for Mathematics.  In addition, this same group of students will be the first group required to complete an Algebra II requirement (again, as defined by the 2007 edition of the Minnesota Academic Standards for Mathematics) for graduation.  These new requirements, by themselves, will not close the achievement gap.  In fact, they have real potential to widen it, unless we thoughtfully employ appropriate instructional strategies that are effective in helping all students develop a deep understanding of mathematics. 

Dr. Don Balka is Professor Emeritus in the Mathematics Department at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana.  He received his doctorate from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.  He is presently on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Board of Directors.  He has also served in many leadership roles for NCTM, and other professional organizations.  He has received several awards for his mathematics teaching, including the St. Mary’s College Spec Unica Award for Outstanding Service in 2004.  He has given over 2000 presentations world-wide, authored many articles and books, and has presented at our State Conference several times.  We are excited to have Don Balka with us to share his knowledge of algebra instruction for all our students.

Who should attend?

• Administrators
• District curriculum leaders
• Teacher leaders
• Teacher educators
• Teams from districts or schools

Why should you attend?

The symposium will provide practical tools and suggestions for addressing the achievement gap by focusing on the teaching of algebraic concepts throughout the grades K - 12.  The keynote speaker and grade-level break-out sessions will:

• Examine the K - 12 implications of the new state algebra requirements and how they can help close the achievement gap.
• Actively engage participants in activities that illustrate effective instructional strategies for helping all students develop a deep understanding of important algebraic ideas.
• Discuss the importance of viewing algebra not as a one time course but as a recurring theme throughout the curriculum at each grade level.
• Explore how important mathematics concepts at each grade level, from number and operations in the elementary grades, proportional reasoning in the middle grades, and functions in the high school grades can play a role in preparing students for a successful experience with algebra.

Symposium Registration (pdf)

Conference Links

Past
•Fall 2007
•Spring 2008