Hi all,
I have been thinking and I believe we are at the point where we need to collect the evidence to support what we are doing.

We also need to start collecting information that may help us to get extremely positive outcomes. This is done linking to govtment policy the key and seminal research found across the world.

I have added two more pages to John's memo. I will email the modifications to you and will endeavour to find a way to put it onto this Blog.

Have a read, let me know what you think? If I am off the planet let me know. Please add your own articles and refernece resources that may be useful to this project.

Also

Tina it may be more useful to use a Wiki as we can upload articles and make modifications to the articles online and with ease.
What do you think?

Maths in the Middle

Maths in the Middle
Meeting 14 Aug 2007
Attended:
Eddie Fabijan, John Cooper, Tina Sullivan, Andrew Lloyd, Julie Humphreys, Matt Skoss, Ian Shepherd, Peter Atkinson.

Goal:
All students to achieve their potential in mathematics education.
Education in Central Australian Schools has mathematics in a state of excellence.

Interpretation of the goals.
It is our understanding that effective learning occurs when the teacher has the
ability to communicate with their students
confidence and competence to deliver the learning
the ability to work within a team.
Agreed outcomes:

Collect data that informs the community of current conditions and student achievement in mathematics.
Search all DEET Institutions for any development in a scope and sequence.
Use all collected resources to develop a Central Australian Scope and Sequence for mathematics.
Interpret resources to develop curriculum resources to be placed on the web.
Develop a professional learning program to support teachers to understand the scope and sequence and to develop the competence to deliver key learning in mathematics.
Develop a community of practice where experiences and skills are shared in a face to face and electronic way.
Link with CDU to promote learning pathways to continue

Next meeting 9:30 am 21 August @CSSC conference room

Title change...

Let's get Maths happening...

could be considered to be a 'deficit view' not valuing current/past efforts in Mathematics Education, regionally. It is very hard to engage teachers in joining appropriate professional bodies, and engaging in professional activities on offer.

Perhaps the title could be massaged to: Supporting a vibrant, professional Mathematics Education community...

It is interesting to consider peoples' "world view" of themselves as a teacher. A mathematics teachers should:

• Have a personal membership of a professional association
  
• Attend and contribute to conferences at a regional and national level
  
• Undertake professional reading (journals and web-based)
  
• Belong to appropriate list servs
  

I think demonstrated engagement should be linked to:

• Continued teacher registration
  
• Performance management/enhancement process
  
• Salary increments

We also need to continue exerting pressure on appropriate ICT people to allow access to YouTube and similar resources that are unilaterally blocked, without any consultation with people who use the numerous appropriate resources available via these medium.

With Federal Government and major political parties beginning to use this medium for the release of policy (actual and proposed), teachers and students need to engage with what is offered. 

Just my $0.02 worth.

Lets Get Maths happening in Central Australia!

As a result of a Maths PLC (Professional Learning Community) on Friday August 10, a group has come together to discuss the need for the teaching and learning of Mathematics in the Alice Springs region.
Some ideas discussed

• maths scope and sequence plans from years 4-12
• A maths conference to be held in Alice Springs
• Data of numeracy MAP results to be gathered and communicated
• the need to build competency in teachers of maths
• sending teachers to a maths conference in Vic in December
• using existing funding to provide resources and PD for teachers of maths
• accessing summer school grants to provide professional learning

Issues arose

• remote schools- how do we cater
• engaging primary school teachers
• time lines
• lack of relief teachers
• incentives to being involved