The DoDEA theme “Math Matters” has become an important focus in DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam over the last two years.  From current research we now understand that all students need a strong foundation in number operations, problem solving, and algebraic functions. We also know that algebraic thinking begins as early as preschool and Kindergarten.  Therefore, in order for our students to think like mathematicians they must be fully engaged in “real” math tasks that challenge their thinking.  The importance of mathematical thinking has become more evident in the daily work of students in our schools and in the staff development opportunities provided to our teachers.

Our most recent professional development in mathematics instruction occurred in April when 67 elementary school teachers, representing each of the elementary schools in Guam , Okinawa , Korea , and Japan Districts, convened in Okinawa for a five day training on “Best Practices in Teaching Mathematics.”  By the end of the week, each teacher had prepared a detailed action plan outlining specific actions they would engage in back in their classrooms and schools to enhance mathematical thinking and student achievement.

Earlier this school year, eight elementary schools in all four districts volunteered to participate in Harvard’s WIDE World Online Professional Development for Educators course, “Teaching Math Fundamentals on the Way to Algebraic Thinking.”  Two teams from each school enrolled in a unique course that provided opportunities to study and apply current research in algebraic thinking and participate in online discussions with colleagues and a coach about their instructional practices that support the research.

Secondary teachers for the past several years have also benefited from on-site professional development.  This year, training for middle and secondary teachers has focused on modifying instruction to meet individual learning needs using students’ work samples and performance as a guide.  Through the DoDEA Algebra Initiative, secondary math teachers have collaborated with their colleagues and algebra coaches in developing and enhancing lessons that deepen students’ understandings of math concepts.  At the high school level, Algebra, Geometry, and Advanced Math Lab classes continue to provide additional support for those students who may require additional assistance to achieve success in their math classes.  Finally, the new “Discrete Math” course, offered in most DoDDS-Pacific/DDESS-Guam schools this year, provides students with opportunities to apply math using discrete events occurring in business, industry, government, and the digital world, such as solving scheduling problems or election theory techniques to analyze election data.

Within each district, educators and administrators have identified school improvement goals which focus on mathematical problem solving.  The primary study for administrators at both the principals’ and assistant principals’ conferences for the past two years has been a focus on math standards and what math instruction looks and sounds like in a standards-based classroom where students are actively engaged in mathematical thinking.

All of these efforts will lay the foundation for the DoDEA pre-implementation year for mathematics in SY 05-06.   Next year, Pre-K through 12 teachers and schools can anticipate additional support to help them implement the revised DoDEA math standards, the newly adopt ed DoDEA materials, and exemplary research-based practices for teaching and assessing student achievement in mathematics. 

Join me in celebrating “Math Matters” as an important focus in the lives of ours students and the learning culture of our schools.

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