Making Sense of Mathematics and Teaching Professional Development courses are designed to deepen elementary teachers’ understanding of mathematical concepts and to support the implementation of research-based teaching strategies. All courses are aligned with the Common Core State Content and Practice Standards, Iowa Core, and Iowa Professional Development Model.
COMPLETION OF ALL EIGHT COURSES IN THE Making Sense of Mathematics and Teaching SERIES CAN LEAD TO AN IOWA K-8 MATH ENDORSEMENT.
For an overview of the Making Sense Professional Development courses, please click on the course of interest to you below:
Making Sense of Numbers (MSN) is the foundational course with content focused on the base ten structure of our number system, place value and number sense, with concepts that will challenge every level of instruction. The implementation focus for this course is Number Sense Routines (Shumway, 2011), which are short, daily mathematics mini-lessons.
Making Sense of Operations (MSO) focuses on the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) for whole and rational numbers. Number Talks (Parrish, 2010) are implemented to help students build mental math and computation strategies.
Making Sense of Geometry (MSG) centers on two- and three-dimensional shapes and their properties. The implementation focus is teaching understanding through problem-based instruction: three-part, student-centered lessons that include Launch, Explore, and Summarize (Van de Walle, et al., 2014 and Smith & Stein, 2011).
Making Sense of Measurement (MSM) focuses on ways to measure one-, two-, and three dimensional attributes; develop connections among them; and make sense of standard formulas. Classroom Discussion (Chapin, et al., 2009) is the implementation focus.
Making Sense of Algebraic Thinking (MSAT) connects the generalization of the four basic operations to various expressions. The implementation focus is Embedding Formative Assessment (Wiliam & Leahy, 2018).
Making Sense of Rational Numbers (MSRN) focuses on unit fractions, equivalent fractions, and decimal notations. The implementation continues to focus on Embedding Formative Assessment (Wiliam & Leahy, 2018).
Making Sense of Data, Statistics & Probability (MSDSP) focuses on data and statistics in the Common Core State Standards. The implementation focus is on productive discussions and Intentional Talk (Kazemi & Hintz, 2014).
Making Sense of Programming (MSP) focuses on the logic of programming. The implementation focus is coding across the curriculum.
