Adoption of Curriculum Review Recommendations

The Portland Board of Education accepted and adopted the Mathematics Curriculum Alignment Report put forth through the work of the Content Area Teacher Leaders, Curriculum Review Committee and Curriculum Advisory Council.  Below is a brief overview of critical components.

Elementary
Instruction:    Everyday Math - Presumpscot, Riverton, Hall
                      Envision -  Longfellow, Reiche, Peaks, Ocean Ave, Lyseth, East End
Assessment: Piloting of Childrens' Progress (NWEA) K-2, fall administration of NWEA 3-5

Middle School
Instruction: Continuation of the implementation plan Y2 for UCSMP and use of the workshop model for instruction.
Assessment: fall administration of NWEA 6-8

High School
Instruction: Implementation of Algebra 1 for grade 9 at PHS & DHS and use of the workshop model for instruction.
Assessment: fall administration of NWEA 9-10; NWEA end-of-course assessments for Algebra1, Algebra2 and Geometry.

How Do We Raise Critical Thinkers?

As we venture into the 21st century, we as a society, are faced with more innovation and challenge than ever before. We now live in an interconnected world, where the Internet and global communications are simultaneously uniting and isolating us as a society. How do we raise critical thinkers to best face the challenges that face our modern society? What changes in education methods should be implemented to  create a better learning environment for these budding minds? Check out this great infographic by Mentoring Minds to find out!

Elementary Program Review

Teachers from across the district gather to review elementary math programs.

Teaching Strategies in Math for ESL Students

17 Strategies for Teaching Mathematics to ELL Students
Teaching strategies in math for English as second language (ESL) learners require a focus on the integration of concept vocabulary, along with proper academic grammatical structures. However, building mathematical concepts in these students brings increased comprehension when lessons focus on content rather than strictly on linguistic format. Math language acquisition takes place when lessons are presented in a meaningful manner, which are also understandable.
The teaching strategies which are more meaningful for ESL students include concrete objects, graphics, manipulatives, and math activities that clarify and reinforce concepts. The use of these strategies with well designed classroom management techniques, along with the following, help these students develop a better understanding of math.

Mathematics in Movies

This is a collection of movie clips in which Mathematics appears. The site is now in HTML5 video and should be accessible by all devices. If not, chose the direct video links. To include a clip into a presentation, chose the quicktime version.

Numberphile

Great resources if you are looking to "flip" your classroom or try out blended learning.

Common Core Transition website

In order to keep families and the community informed of changes we have created a link to the Common Core Transition website on the home page of Portland Public Schools.