Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Growth Mindset in Action - In a Math Classroom!

Think about someone you consider successful and respected as an educator....

When I think about this, I always  think about my amazing friend Tanya Griego, currently a first grade teacher (and the Godmother of our Noah!) .....She is always learning, reading, asking colleagues for advice, and always "growing her brain" in some way.  She is my very own "growth mindset" model.

Carol Dweck, Standford University,  has studied "growth mindset" vs. "fixed mindset" and the impact it has on learning and ultimately, our lives!   Her book, Mindset, is being referenced by people in all industries and is one I can't stop thinking about.

View the video below to see how a teacher implements  "growth mindset" in her  2nd grade math classroom! (Thanks Kim Anthony for finding and sharing this great video!)

Friday, September 4, 2015

Go Math Support: Videos, Handouts, and MORE!


I know how important it is to make the most of your limited time!  So....there is now a link specifically relating to Go Math  that can found under the BPS Curriculum tab on our BPS Website. All of the videos and handouts are relatively short and to the point.  More resources will be added as needed.

As promised, we told you that students would be uploaded/updated into ThinkCentral and that you could create a class in your account after Labor Day.  Well, it is now ready to roll if you so desire! Many of you are excited to get your class setup with their own Go Math (ThinkCentral) Accounts so they can access the student eBook and other great resources.

PLEASE keep in mind that you are not expected to add your class and students prior to the training you will be getting at your schools in Mid Sept- Oct.   However, for those of you that want to get students into the system to access their resources, watch the related videos on creating a class, adding students, and having students access their accounts. The videos  and handouts will give you all the info you need!

I have tried to make the videos concise and brief. Please, please, please view the videos before jumping in.  It will save everyone involved in this process a lot of time in the long run! (students, teachers, curriculum team, BPS tech people!)

IMPORTANT NOTE:  We are NOT asking you to assign students assignments and tests online at this point and time.  Assigning tests and activities via the Personal Math Trainer is a bit different from other programs our district has used.  This information and how to's will be provided to your school trainer on Sept. 15th and then they will train you on assigning assignments!





ROME WASN"T BUILT IN A DAY....(What's the Math Training Plan? )


ROME was not built in a day my BPS friends! As we begin to integrate the new Go Math! resource  into our classrooms, please keep this in mind!

PD and support is critical for our teachers! So...what's the training plan for learning about Go Math? Do I need to be assigning tests online already (NO!!)  But what about.... And how do I....

BREATHE... and take a little looksee at the "BPS Math Support PD Plan" so that you can relax a bit! This will give you a good idea of what you will be learning along the way and how you will be supported through the Curriculum Team, district trainers, school-based training, and online opportunities.


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Welcome to the NEW! BPS Math Blog!

Here's to the first official posting on the new BPS Math Blog!  This is an online space where we will be sharing thoughts, ideas, connections, tools, tips...and info regarding whatever needs might arise for us here at BPS and beyond!

As you may already know, your BPS grade level curriculum resources, along with other information, can be found at the K-6 BPS Math site.  The website is "formally organized" into categories and subcategories to easily navigate the information. This Math Blog and the website will compliment and support each another.  The postings on the blog will be a great way for us to communicate with you in a more informal and friendly way!