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Spring 2008 MCTM NEWSLETTERFrom The President
From the PresidentJonathan Wray Required Reading As the academic year enters its final months, my reflections on 2007-2008 have focused in on the realization that this has NOT just been another typical school year…. Mathematics education has been the center of attention, and at times under the microscope, more this year than I can remember in past years. Consider the work of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel (NMAP), for instance. The Panel began its work in May 2006 and was charged with exploring, summarizing, reporting, and advising the White House on the scientific evidence related to the teaching and learning of mathematics, with a specific focus on the preparation for and success in learning algebra. The NMAP was comprised of 24 members including Maryland's own, Dr. Francis (Skip) Fennell, who is the now Past-President of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Twelve meetings (three held in the MD-DC-VA area), held over two years, included opportunities for panel members to listen to public and written testimony, work in task groups, report on group progress, and draft a final report submitted to President Bush and U.S. Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings, on March 13, 2008. As I state in the spring issue of the Banneker Banner, I am frustrated with the reported lack of available evidence to support some of the most basic assumptions that seem critical to moving mathematics education in the right direction. But here's the thing--the research (and the Panel reviewed over 16,000 research publications) seems to be inconclusive on various levels-even missing--when it comes to some of the most important questions facing mathematics education today. I attended the final meeting of the Panel and was struck by the comments of various panelists. Panel Chair, Larry Faulkner stated, "The importance of mathematics is not dependent on an act of Congress.... This is not about dollars, but getting our ideas straight and making the right choices. It's about the choices that real people have in life. It's about the safety and well-being of people in this nation." So as the school year winds down, here's a suggestion for some "light" summer reading- and not just for mathematics educators, but for school superintendents, board of education members, school-based administrators, those in higher education, para-educators, parents, students, legislators, the media and all others who are concerned with (and even those who are critical of) the state of and perceived future direction of mathematics education, and to a larger extent, the global competitiveness of the United States. My suggestion is that YOU carefully read the Final Report of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel in its 120-page entirety. Afterward, you may have a different impression of what practices are supported by research and which are currently unsubstantiated and need further investigation. At the very least, and most importantly, readers will have a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead for our nation's students, mathematics teachers, teacher educators, researchers and policy-makers. Now that the report has been "handed off" and is a matter of public record, we all need to serve as leaders in the process of searching for proven methods for advancing mathematics education in Maryland and beyond. In particular, we need to be willing to roll up our sleeves and start finding the answers to the most important questions that somehow research has yet to adequately address. The work of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel and others provides a road map of the areas where further exploration needs to take place. Maryland, a rising leader in mathematics education, should certainly be ready to take the lead. I truly believe that some of the answers to many of today's most pressing questions are likely in many of Maryland's mathematics classrooms. Happy reading and best wishes on a successful finish to the school year!
Calling for Nominations for MCTM OfficersThe following MCTM positions are open for nomination of officers for the 2008-2009 election:
President-Elect Each nominee must be a MCTM member. The President-Elect must have served as a voting member on the MCTM Board of Directors. The responsibilities of these officers can be found on the MCTM website www.marylandmath.org (refer to the bylaws). Each nominee will be asked to submit a short bio for the election ballot. If you are interested in running or want to nominate someone, please contact Camille Tomlin at camtom47@hotmail.com by May 2, 2008.
April is Maryland Math MonthApril is Maryland Math Month and the MCTM is celebrating by publishing an activity calendar that you can use with your classes throughout the entire month! All members should have received a calendar in the mail recently. Electronic copies-in English and Spanish-can be found at www.marylandmath.org. April is also National Mathematics Awareness Month. Connect to these activities by visiting http://www.mathaware.org/index.html.
Frostburg State University SymposiumOn April 18, 2008 Frostburg State University will host its annual symposium, a favorite event of many educators around the state. The keynote speaker at this year's meeting will be Dr. Annalisa Crannell, Professor of Mathematics at Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Crannell's symposium talk will be "Math and Art: The Good, the Bad, and the Pretty." She will lead attendees in an exploration of the mathematics behind perspective paintings-a mathematics that starts off with simple rules, and yet develops into really lovely, really tricky mathematical puzzles.
Teaching ResourcesVisit the following sites for good information about your mathematics teaching practice. If you have any suggestions for future segments, please email Mike Lueke at hmlueke@aacc.edu.
Announcing the MCTM Annual ConferenceMaryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2008 Annual Conference October 17, 2008 Eastern Technical High School
Call for Presentation Proposals at the MCTM Annual ConferenceThe Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM) will hold the 2008 Annual Conference at Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore, Maryland on October 17, 2008. This year's conference theme, MCTM @ 75 Years: Inspiring Generations of Mathematics Teachers, represents the very best that Maryland mathematics has to offer. We invite you to submit a proposal to offer a presentation at the conference. We are fortunate to have so many exemplary educators who are able to provide professional development experiences to enhance the learning of mathematics. Proposals may be submitted by visiting MCTM's website at www.marylandmath.org. The deadline for submission is July 1, 2008. For more information, please contact Chris Oberdorf, christineoberdorf@comcast.net.
Early Childhood News: April is Month of the Young ChildKarren Schultz-Ferrell The Fourteenth Annual Month of the Young Child Celebration will be held at Westfield Shoppingtown in Wheaton on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 11:00-4:00. Children's Activity Tables, musicians, performers, and student groups will provide entertainment throughout the day for families. The Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics will sponsor a table activity for young children attending this special event. Children will decorate a foam visor with a numeral (matching the one rolled on a numeral cube) and attach a set of foam shapes to represent the number. Come join the fun and bring your family!
Higher Ed News: Call for Undergraduate Posters at the Annual ConferenceHoni Bamberger At last year's MCTM Annual Conference a poster session displayed projects completed by Towson University undergraduates. It would be wonderful to have geometry, statistics, and/or other projects from students at other institutions of higher learning. These projects need to be collected during the Spring 2008 semester so that they are available for display at the October Annual meeting. Please think about submitting a Poster Session for this year's conference. Having your student's work displayed is not only a wonderful endorsement for your college or university; it's also a terrific way to showcase the fine work of your students. Contact Honi Bamberger, hbamberger@towson.edu for more information.
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