2011 NCSM Annual Conference
Strand Descriptions
Theme
The theme of the 2011 NCSM Annual Conference is:
On Track for Student Success: Mathematics Leaders Making a Difference.
Strand Descriptions
The 2011 program features 4 strands:
Strand 1. Assessment of Students/Assessment of Teaching
Addresses ways leaders can help teachers develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure accurate monitoring of student learning and adjustment of teacher instruction for every student on a daily basis, including:
- Designing learning opportunities for teachers to help them design and implement formative and summative assessments for improved student learning
- Using current research and best practices (including technology) to inform assessment decisions
- Employing assessment strategies that support learners from diverse backgrounds or learners not achieving at proficiency
Strand 2. Developing Coaches/Developing Teachers
Addresses coaching and professional development as important ways to support and encourage teachers for education reform in enhancing mathematics teaching and learning in their classrooms, including:
- Designing professional learning opportunities to help coaches and teachers become more effective in their work
- Applying current research and best practices on the coaching process to improve mathematics instruction
- Improving the mathematics content knowledge of teachers through professional development and coaching
Strand 3. Teaching & Learning
Addresses the work of mathematics leaders in helping teachers develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure high-level, relevant, and meaningful mathematics in every lesson and access to that mathematics for every student, including:
- Models for curriculum for teachers (pre-service and in-service) and how they are used to support mathematics teaching
- How current research and best practices (including technology) can inform curricular designs to support students of diverse backgrounds and students not achieving at proficiency, including Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies
- Curricular discussions and decisions that are important for the work of professional learning communities
Strand 4. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)
Addresses ways leaders can support teachers in their efforts to encourage students, especially in middle and high school, to pursue science, technology, engineering and math, including:
- Forging partnerships with business to increase STEM discipline outcomes for graduating seniors
- Considering the future of STEM education and systemic implications to increased attention for STEM in K-12 education
