Current Initiatives Math Matters

Math Matters aims to increase mathematical achievement for all students by arming educators with the tools they need to teach the diverse children in today’s classrooms.

Key outcomes are:

• increased knowledge, skills and strategies of mathematics teachers
• increased focus on mathematics problem solving and reasoning
• development of effective, research-based curricula and practices
• improved math achievement for all students

Target Group
Math Matters works directly with teachers, math specialists, principals and administrators; as well as with students in grades K-12. The program improves students mathematics performance by building educators’ capacity to provide effective, targeted instruction and developing mathematics content knowledge, skills and strategies. By increasing instructional capacity of mathematics educators, Math Matters has the potential to reach hundreds of students through each trained teacher.

Learning Objectives
Math Matters increases the capacity of teachers to recognize and connect mathematics curriculum concepts across grade levels, modify instruction based on student data, develop repertoire of strategies, tactics and skills to identify and respond to individual student’s needs.

Content & Activities
CDL professionals develop an initiative delivery plan for each school by first completing a needs assessment. This assessment includes compiling and evaluating students’ standardized test scores, in-classroom math data and curriculum information; performing classroom observations; conducting individual and group discussion with math teachers, principals and math coaches; and administering and assessing a formal mathematics survey. Educators receive in-depth training on how to implement targeted mathematic lessons and learning activities for each grade level on math concepts and topics that were identified by the needs assessment. These lessons specifically emphasize the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principles and Standards for School Mathematics. Teachers and principals gain in-depth, scientific research-based instruction on topics such as: numbers and number relations, patterns and functions, data analysis, geometry, measurement, and algebra.

Initiative Specifics
Math Matters is a 12-month initiative commencing in the summer and continuing through the following school year. Educators attend a 4-day summer institute that is content-focused and highly interactive, combining lecture, demonstrations and collaborative learning. Then, CDL specialists provide onsite coaching and mentoring to each participating school during the school year. Professional mathematics tools may be utilized to develop a comprehensive program based on each school’s needs.

Initiative Staff
Math Matters is implemented by a cadre of specialists including highly-qualified mathematics specialists and national educational experts.

Customize for Your School
CDL will customize this initiative to fit the unique needs of your school.  For example, the 4-day institute may be reduced to 2 days, with the remaining portion of the institute content delivered in 4 quarterly 3-hour sessions.  Additionally, university graduate credit can be arranged through a local university.

For Pricing and More Information

Please contact the Center for Development and Learning: