The six highest-need elementary schools in the Garfield, Kane, and Millard School Districts, one charter school, and the Southwest Educational Development Center (SEDC) have united in a collaborative effort to provide professional development and classroom technology access for Students With Disabilities (SWD). The project will focus on enhancing mathematical instruction for at-risk and low performing students through the use of project-based Technology Engaged Activities for Mathematics (TEAM).
Math proficiency rate on Criterion Referenced Tests for SWD in participating elementary schools is as follows: Delta-49%, Fillmore-45%, Bryce Valley-64%, Escalante-60%, Valley-50%, Lake Powell-0% and Gateway Charter-21%. The combined number of SWD taking the CRT is 191. The average percentage for these schools is 41%.
The special education teachers, along with the technology specialists in these schools are committed to challenging and engaging students with high quality instruction through project-based learning activities that increase high order thinking skills and high achievement. This project focuses specifically on classroom technology, which will enhance mathematical instruction for at-risk, and low performing students through the use of research-based Technology Engaged Activities for Mathematics (TEAM).
Each of the seven schools are classified as Title I. There is an urgent need in these schools to help students gain expertise and comprehension in math and problem solving to help them develop important skills that will allow them to continue in their education and to be successful in life.
Participating teachers will receive high quality sustained professional development that will empower them to select and successfully implement instructional strategies through the integration of technology. They will then use this knowledge to assist students in creating math centered projects using iPads in the classroom. Each project will be student driven and focused on areas where the students need practice. This will fill in gaps that the students may have concerning how math works, allowing them to be more confident and successful in solving math algorithms.
The project emphasizes the research-based Engaged Learning Model. Using this model, students will improve their mathematics knowledge, improve their performance on the Utah State mandated Math end-of-level Criterion Reference Test (CRT) and will gain valuable skills to help them successfully prepare for the 21st Century.
See the full grant description here.
