““There are two versions of math in the lives of many Americans: the strange and boring subject that they encountered in classrooms and an interesting set of ideas that is the math of the world and is curiously different and surprisingly engaging. Our task is to introduce this second version to today’s students, get them excited about math, and prepare them for the future.””
The pieces of the puzzle
curriculum
We are currently rewriting our elementary math curriculum to better align with state eligible content and promote a personalized learning experience for our students. Our new curriculum will emphasize how enrichment can be embedded into instruction.
Instruction
Instruction: We are providing continuous professional development on effective instructional practice in a math workshop model and lesson/task design.
Systems
Math Task Force: We have empowered a Math Task Force to critically evaluate our structures and systems in order to develop a K-12 Scope and sequence that aligns with our mission, vision, and beliefs, around math education in GV.
The Garnet Valley Math Task Force
The Garnet Valley Math Task Force is comprised of school board members, teachers, and administrators with representatives from every grade level, level of math, and special education. Through collaborative leadership and shared decision making, the Task Force developed the following statements that have guided our work and decision making.
In Garnet Valley, we BELIEVE in fostering a community of mathematicians who…
Learn together
Engage in personalized learning
Take risks and embrace productive struggle as an opportunity for growth
Recognize that the process of learning is just as important as the outcome of learning
Our Mission
To cultivate a community of mathematicians who have equitable access to student-centered collaborative opportunities, engage in productive struggle, and persevere to reach their highest potential.
Our vision
To be part of a culture that appreciates the beauty and usefulness of math with individuals who persevere in their pursuit of lifelong learning.
Our Goal
Through collaborative leadership and shared decision making, the curriculum and instruction office will continue to foster a growth mindset, provide targeted professional development in effective instructional practice, evaluate our systems and leveling through the Math Task Force, and develop a K-5 curriculum written with OER resources that supports the needs of our students and promotes a balance between conceptual understanding, application and procedural knowledge.
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““...if I had to design a mechanism for the express purpose of destroying a child’s natural curiosity and love of pattern-making, I couldn’t possibly do as good a job as is currently being done— I simply wouldn’t have the imagination to come up with the kind of senseless, soul-crushing ideas that constitute contemporary mathematics education.””