PRIME Professional Development Opportunities
Spring 2008

Registration: Please contact Dixie Stephens at RCAS

Title: Understanding Student Thinking in Algebra
(Previously titled Thinking Mathematically: Integrating Arithmetic and Algebra in Elementary Schools)
Instructors: Kim Clark and Deann Kertzman
Target Group: K-12 math teachers and special education teachers
Available Credit: 2 BHSU graduate credits or 2 SD Recertification credits or 30 C.E. credits
Date: January 7, 14, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 3, 10, 17, 31 2008
Time: 4:15 - 7:15 PM
Location: Valley View Elementary Mathematics Office
Optional Material Fee: Thinking Mathematically by Carpenter, Franke, Levi (approx. $23.00); textbooks will be available for purchase for participants that may want to write in the book or keep a copy.
Description: This course will help participants to build a foundation of algebra in elementary grades. Participants will examine algebraic thinking with an emphasis on how arithmetic and algebra are taught and learned. We will look at conceptions and misconceptions that elementary students bring to mathematics. Learning mathematics involves learning ways of thinking and exploring powerful mathematical ideas rather than collecting disconnected procedures. This course will use algebraic thinking to help students form mathematical ideas, express them in words and symbols and defend these ideas. They will also examine topics related to equality, conjectures, variables, ordering multiple operations and mathematical "if…then" statements.
Registration Information: To register for this class, contact Dixie Stephens at RCAS Staff Development Office - 394-4067.

Title: ED 661 Understanding Student Thinking in Geometry and Measurement
Instructor: Vicki Kapust
Target Group: K-12 math and special education teachers
Available Credit: 2 BHSU graduate credits
Date:  January 10, 24, February 7, 14, 28, March 6, 27, April 3, 17, 24
Time:  4:30-7:30
Location:  Central High School D210
Description: This course is designed to help teachers think through major ideas within the areas of K-12 geometry and measurement and to use recent research to examine how students develop their ideas. The course is also designed to raise awareness of common student misconceptions and to deepen teachers' knowledge of effective instructional practices.
Registration information:  To register for this course, contact Susan Pisani at CAMSE/BHSU: SusanPisani@BHSU.edu  or 642-6804.

Title: ED 601 Foundations and Issues of Mathematics Education
Instructor: Jami Stone
Target Group: K-12 math and special education teachers
Available Credit: 2 BHSU graduate credits
Date:  January 14, 28, February 4, 11, 25, March 3, 10, 17, 31, April 14
Time:  4:30-7:30
Location:  Central High School D210
Description: This course provides an introduction to K-12 mathematics content and process standards, makes the case for using an inquiry-oriented approach in classrooms, and looks at current research.  Participants will gain an understanding of the components needed to create a learning environment that encourages and supports all children in building understandings, making connections, reasoning, and solving problems as described in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Registration information:  To register for this course, contact Susan Pisani at CAMSE/BHSU: SusanPisani@BHSU.edu or 642-6804.

Title: Discovering Geometry & Algebra with Geometer’s Sketchpad
Instructor(s):  Tom Keck/Joel Albright
Target Group:  Secondary math teachers and special education staff
Lane Change Status:  all certified staff
Available Credit:  1 BHSU Graduate Credit/ 1 SD Recertification Credit
Dates:  Feb 2, 12, 26 and March 4, 15
Times:  Saturday, Feb 2, Mar 15:  8:30 – 1:00 PM
             Tuesday, Feb 12, 26, Mar 4:  4:30-6:30 PM
Location:  Stevens HS, Room 232
Description: Participants in this workshop will learn how to use Sketchpad as a way to explore and model a variety of geometric and algebraic concepts at the middle and high school levels.  In this discovery-based learning environment, teachers will learn how to use Sketchpad to increase visual capacity, identify patterns, and instill a sense of curiosity in their students.  These discoveries and experiences will lead to greater understanding of standard algebraic and geometric concepts.  The first part of the course will focus on the fundamental principles of Geometer’s Sketchpad.  Teachers already familiar with Geometer’s Sketchpad will focus on more advanced sketchpad tools during this time.  The remainder, and majority, of the course will focus on developing and sharing lessons geared toward topics that, traditionally, are hard to present to students, or are difficult for students to conceptualize. 
Registration Information: To register for this class, contact Dixie Stephens at RCAS Staff Development Office - 394-4067.