Increasing Success and Scores for At-Risk Students

Kristin Meeker, Math TeacherAmy New, Special Education

Teacher Christy Williams, Math

Teacher

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Parkland High School

• Enrolls approximately 3200 students in grades 9-12

• Graduation requirements are 24.25 credits for all students

• More than 8% of students identified as academically gifted

• Academic year is 184 days in the traditional format

• Offers the 102 classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboard teaching technology, 20 mobile computer labs, and 7 stationary labs.

• Has numerous offerings for both academic, athletic, and extra-curricular student needs

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Mathematics Tracks

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Track #3

• Students identified in middle school based on: PSSA scores Academic achievement Teacher recommendation

• Students begin track in 9th grade:

Algebra 1 Seminar Basic Geometry Algebraic Concepts

VIDEO CLIP

Mrs. Melodie Stinner, Mathematics Department

Chairperson

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PSSA 2008-2009 Results

• Orefield Middle School Mathematics Scores •Below Basic:•Basic:•Proficient:•Advanced:

• Springhouse Middle School Mathematics Scores •Below Basic:•Basic:•Proficient:•Advanced:

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PSSA 2008-2009 Results

• Parkland High School Mathematics

•Below Basic:•Basic:•Proficient:•Advanced:

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PSSA

• Questions: Why do student scores drop between the grade levels of 8th and 11th grade?

What are our best and worst anchors?•Why?

How many students are “bubble kids”? Is our curriculum meeting the anchor standards?

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PSSA Remediation

• Math Lab• Study Island• Senior Seminar• PSSA before/after school program

• Mrs. Melodie Stinner, Math Department Chair

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Algebra Seminar

Course Requirements

This course is designed for students who wish to complete Algebra 1 and to enhance overall math proficiency; however students must possess a strong foundation in using positive and negative numbers, and order of operations.

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Algebra Seminar

Course Goals

The seminar builds identified math skills that are tested on the PSSA. The topics covered include theory as well as practical and real-world applications. Various strategies are used to deliver instruction in a double-period format, including manipulatives, small and large group activities, and the use of technology.

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Focus

• Classroom is focused on creating a connection between mathematics and the real world. Students will have several projects throughout the year that help to further that connection.

• Career Interview • Math in the News• Math in My Life• Multiple Intelligences

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Ideas for the double-period

• 100 facts• Pass and Go• Grouping• Board Work• Study Island• Journals• PSSA Skills• 3-2-1

Mrs. Warrene Boyer, Paraprofessional

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Student Testimonials

“My favorite thing about math class is working in partners and using the laptops for Study Island.” -Samantha Sewillo, 9th grade

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Student Testimonials

“I love the double period because it gives me extra time to learn, I can absorb things better and I can grow in so many ways faster.”

-Danica Lanyon, 9th grade

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Student Testimonials

“I think I like doing work. I like having math for two periods because I get extra help. That is all.”

-- Kyle Zuberka, 9th grade

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Student Videos

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Concepts of Algebra and Geometry

Overview of Curriculum and Class Structure

• Aligned to Pennsylvania State Standards

• Addresses the 5 PSSA Anchors• Co-taught class

One regular education teacher One special education teacher Approximately 24-26 students Student population: 50% regular/50% special education

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Class Structure

Highly structured daily lessons Utilize technology (Polyvision board, Study Island)

Student templates for note-taking

Practice worksheets Supplemental materials

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Concept Lesson Format

•Presented on Polyvision interactive board

•Accompanied by corresponding student templates for note-taking

•Reinforced through practice sheets

•Homework lessons 2-3 times per week

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Daily Warm-up Activities

Review of previous concept

Basic skills reviewPuzzlesMathematical enigmas

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Quizzes and Tests

•Chunk smaller amounts of information for weekly quizzes

•Utilize PSSA Coach Book for review lessons

•Format some questions with PSSA style format

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Supplemental Materials

•Study Island online practice and quizzes

•Projects that reinforce learned objectives

•Open-ended PSSA style practice questions

•Algebra/Geometry Review Games•PSSA Coach Book•Ladders to Success

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Student Testimonials

“I thought the class was fun! Switching teachers gave us two different personalities in one class and made learning fun.”

- Dale Roadarmel, 12th grade

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Student Testimonials

“I felt that it was good to have two teachers because if one was helping another person you did not have to wait for help. Everything was broken down in small steps and it was easier to learn. And I passed the PSSA!”

- Kevin Worthington, 12th grade

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Student Videos

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Study Island

• Study Island is a powerful, yet simple to use, learning and teaching tool provided in a completely web-based format.

• In addition to featuring specialized preparation programs for state standardized tests.

• All students complete a pre-test.• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) create common assessments to analyze the results of student achievement.

• Used as a remediation tool.

Questions?

PowerPoint available for download:http://

neon2104.wikispaces.com