DATE:
February 9, 2016
TO:
Middle School Principals
Middle School Resource Math Special Educators
FROM:
Laura Finlinson, Administrator of Curric./Staff Development & Special Programs
Lisa Robinson, Director of Special Education
Julie Brown, Program Specialist
SUBJECT:
Professional Development on Using Algebra Tiles to Support Students
The Special Education Department will be offering a professional development opportunity for resource special educators that teach math. Since the Utah Core Standards for Mathematics focuses on the Concrete-Representational-Abstract model, Trevor Warburton, Math Coach, will provide training on the use of algebra tiles in the classroom. Algebra tiles provide a concrete way for students to manipulate algebraic expressions, solve equations, and factor quadratics. Students can then transition more effectively to the standard, abstract approach to these same concepts.
Special educators that attend this training will receive a classroom set of algebra tiles and follow-up support to implement algebra tiles. The training will be March 8, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at the District Office in Room 129. Special educators must arrange for a substitute. Half-day substitutes will be paid for under budget code 1292. Attendance is at the discretion of the building principal.
