09/14/04

Math does matter in DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam schools. Continuing to build on the theme "Math Matters" introduced in SY 2003-2004, we want to embrace the importance of math instruction in the daily lives of students. There are a number of initiatives underway in DoDDS Pacific that focus on supporting teachers and obtaining additional resources in mathematics classrooms under the DoDEA Community Strategic Plan.

First, the DoDEA High School Initiative, which began School Year 2002-2003, provides resources over a five-year period to assist us in offering quality educational programs for all high school students. A vital component of this initiative focuses on mathematics and calls for support classes for Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. All DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam schools now offer Algebra 1 lab classes. Last year we added an additional lab class in geometry to help students who scored below the 50 th percentile on the mathematics portion of the systemwide TerraNova assessment. This year, we added a third lab class for students who are taking upper level math classes, such as Algebra II or above, that need additional support.

An extension to the High School Initiative is a program enhancer for Algebra. DoDEA is providing a guide for all teachers to plan and instruct Algebra I students, grades eight through 12. The guide will provide not only a scope and sequence but will include fea tures like sample lesson plans and classroom assessments. Recently DoDEA also provided positions for two exemplary math teachers who will work at the school level with Algebra teaches to effectively use this guide in planning their instruction and implementing the program. Therefore, our teachers are not only getting a very helpful sequential tool in the guide and the sample lesson plans; they are also getting professional development support in a meaningful way.

However, the most exciting news is that Harvard University approved our enrollment in their on-line training, "Teaching Math Fundamentals on the Way to Algebraic Thinking in the Elementary School." The program is offered through WIDE World, the Education Technology Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Forty volun tee rs have been identified and registered and will began taking classes this week. This partnership represents the first time Harvard University has agreed to work with our schools overseas, and clearly demonstrates the world class professionalism of our administrators and teachers. For this pilot each district has nine participants forming two teams from two schools. The district and the schools are responsible for the composition of the teams and the selection of participants. This is a pilot program which, if found to be effective, will be opened up to more teachers. Participants will obtain a certificate from Harvard University upon completion of the course, and will have the option of receiving graduate credit from San Diego State University.

We will also pilot a second professional opportunity in mathematics instruction for K-6 teachers through a unique program entitled "Developing Mathematical Ideas". Through a facilitated discussion, groups of teachers will be able to examine instructional practices by looking at case studies and samples of student work. The modules are strongly correlated to DoDEA math standards and promote our belief that the most successful schools are those in which teachers study and work together to improve the learning environment.

I am confident that this partnership with Harvard University , the implementation of the Developing Mathematical Ideas program, and our High School Initiative activities in the area of mathematics will ensure that our students have access to educational programs and services that support high achievement.

Nancy C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam