spotlight

Dates July 10-21, 2006
Location University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, East Bank Campus
Credit Earned 2 graduate credits

An Advanced Viewpoint

of Algebraic and Geometric Ideas in Middle School Mathematics

Academic Year Requirements
Academic Year Schedule
Course Description

How to Apply
Questions and Answers

Academic year requirements

To receive an "A" in this course, participate in the following:

I) Two Academic Year events:
i) One “Professional Development Saturday”
ii) One of any of the “Other Professional Development Activities”
II) Final Workshop

To receive a "B+" in your course, participate in the Final Workshop.

You will receive a "B" in your course if you do not attend any Academic Year activities.

If you need to miss several days of class, you will have to make a special arrangement with us and you will receive a separate email with your specific Academic Year requirements.

Go to the schedule of Academic Year activities for a list of events and activities available to fulfil these requirements.

academic year schedule

Professional Development Saturdays (1 required)
Date	Activity	Time
September 30, 2006	Tessellating Patterns (grades 4-5)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
November 11, 2006	Spherical Journeys (grades 5-6)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
January 20, 2007	Directions in Space (grades 6-7)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
March 3, 2007	Chopped-Up Numbers (grades 3-4)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Other Professional Development Activities (1 required*)
Date	Activity	Time
Friday, October 20, 2006	Half Day Workshop	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006	Seminar	5:00-7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 10, 2007	Half day Workshop	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 24, 2007	Family Fun Fair	10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007	Seminar	5:00-7:00 p.m.
*You may participate in more than one in this category if you so wish.
Final Workshop
Date	Time
May 9, 2007	5:00-7:00 p.m.

Course Description

This course will use common mathematical questions from elementary and middle school students (Why do we need an order of operation? Why is a square a rectangle but a rectangle is not necessarily a square?) as the basis for units to deepen your understanding of the underlying concepts. The course will not only focus on answering these questions, but provide you opportunities to deepen your understanding of mathematics through development of problem solving skills and an appreciation of the role of proof. Units are aligned with state and national standards for grades 4-8 mathematics curricula. Participants must have completed "Algebraic Processes and Their Connections to Geometric Structures" or an equivalent course and obtain permission from ITCEP. Topics included will have some overlap with the Summer 2005 Capstone course, but will be sufficiently different so that participants from 2005 can also register for the 2006 course, and again obtain course credit.

How to Apply

Download and print an application form. Complete application form and fax or mail to the ITCEP office, Attn: Cathy. Fully funded enrollment is very limited and filled with applicants on a first-come basis.

Fax: 612-626-1150
Address: 4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

Questions and Answers

Who is leading the project?
IT Center for Educational Programs (ITCEP), University of Minnesota

For whom is the program intended?
Teachers of grades 4-8 should apply. Participants must have completed “Algebraic Processes and Their Connections To Geometric Structures” or an equivalent course. Topics included will have some overlap with the Summer 2005 Capstone Course, but will be sufficiently different so that participants from 2005 can also register for the 2006 course and again obtain course credit.

What are the objectives?

Deepen teacher understanding of mathematics concepts and their connections to the classroom topics included in the grades 4-7 curriculum;
Increase understanding of student questions and learning issues for these concepts;
Participation in a teacher professional development network during the academic year which supports learning more mathematics, improvement of teaching, and integrating important math enrichment topics in the classroom curriculum, as well as providing other professional opportunities.

How is the project structured?

Summer coursework: 10 class days at the University of Minnesota
Academic year professional development activities: Including choices from Professional Development Saturdays, academic seminars, and workshops.

NOTE: Additional academic year professional development and networking opportunities will be available on an optional basis.

Where and when is the Summer Institute being held?
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, East Bank Campus
Monday, July 10 to Friday, July 21, 2006 (10 Days), 9 AM-3:30 PM.

Additional tutorials or homework/enrichment unit development assistance may be scheduled as needed before or following class.

Who are the instructors?
Senior and post-doctorial university mathematics faculty, and K-12 teacher leaders/mentors.

What is funded by the grant for each teacher participant?

Tuition and Fees for 2 graduate credits in mathematics from the University of MN
Transportation/Parking supplement
Daily Lunches and Snacks
All Books and Materials
$200 stipend for teachers who satisfactorily complete the summer course and academic year professional development component

How do I apply?
Fax or mail application to ITCEP

When is the application deadline?
Applications are being reviewed and accepted on a first-come-first-serve-basis. Applicants will be informed of their status as soon as possible after review. The final deadline is MONDAY, MAY 1, 2006.

Additional questions to ITCEP Coordinator, Cathy at 612-625-2861 or mccl0137@umn.edu.

Funds for this project were provided by a grant from the federal Improving Teacher Quality Program of the No Child Left Behind Act administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The project was financed by $43,451 in federal funds and $59,164 from nonfederal sources.

An Advanced Viewpoint

of Algebraic and Geometric Ideas in Middle School Mathematics

Professional Development Saturdays (1 required)

Other Professional Development Activities (1 required*)

Final Workshop