Increasing Success and Scores for At-Risk Students Kristin Meeker, Math Teacher Amy New, Special Education Teacher Christy Williams, Math Teacher

2 Parkland High School Enrolls approximately 3200 students in grades Graduation requirements are credits for all students More than 8% of students identified as academically gifted Academic year is 184 days in the traditional format Offers the 102 classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboard teaching technology, 20 mobile computer labs, and 7 stationary labs. Has numerous offerings for both academic, athletic, and extra-curricular student needs

3 Mathematics Tracks

4 Track #3 Students identified in middle school based on:  PSSA scores  Academic achievement  Teacher recommendation Students begin track in 9th grade:  Algebra 1 Seminar  Basic Geometry  Algebraic Concepts

VIDEO CLIP Mrs. Melodie Stinner, Mathematics Department Chairperson

6 PSSA Results Orefield Middle School  Mathematics Scores Below Basic: Basic: Proficient: Advanced: Springhouse Middle School  Mathematics Scores Below Basic: Basic: Proficient: Advanced:

7 PSSA Results Parkland High School  Mathematics Below Basic: Basic: Proficient: Advanced:

8 PSSA Questions:  Why do student scores drop between the grade levels of 8th and 11th grade?  What are our best and worst anchors? Why?  How many students are “bubble kids”?  Is our curriculum meeting the anchor standards?

9 PSSA Remediation Math Lab Study Island Senior Seminar PSSA before/after school program Mrs. Melodie Stinner, Math Department Chair

10 Algebra Seminar Course Requirements This course is designed for students who wish to complete Algebra 1 and to enhance overall math proficiency; however students must possess a strong foundation in using positive and negative numbers, and order of operations.

11 Algebra Seminar Course Goals The seminar builds identified math skills that are tested on the PSSA. The topics covered include theory as well as practical and real-world applications. Various strategies are used to deliver instruction in a double-period format, including manipulatives, small and large group activities, and the use of technology.

12 Focus Classroom is focused on creating a connection between mathematics and the real world. Students will have several projects throughout the year that help to further that connection. Career Interview Math in the News Math in My Life Multiple Intelligences

13 Ideas for the double-period 100 facts Pass and Go Grouping Board Work Study Island Journals PSSA Skills 3-2-1

Mrs. Warrene Boyer, Paraprofessional

15 Student Testimonials “My favorite thing about math class is working in partners and using the laptops for Study Island.” - Samantha Sewillo, 9th grade

16 Student Testimonials “I love the double period because it gives me extra time to learn, I can absorb things better and I can grow in so many ways faster.” -Danica Lanyon, 9th grade

17 Student Testimonials “I think I like doing work. I like having math for two periods because I get extra help. That is all.” -- Kyle Zuberka, 9th grade

18 Student Videos

19 Concepts of Algebra and Geometry Overview of Curriculum and Class Structure Aligned to Pennsylvania State Standards Addresses the 5 PSSA Anchors Co-taught class  One regular education teacher  One special education teacher  Approximately students  Student population: 50% regular/50% special education

20 Class Structure Highly structured daily lessons  Utilize technology (Polyvision board, Study Island)  Student templates for note-taking  Practice worksheets  Supplemental materials

21 Concept Lesson Format Presented on Polyvision interactive board Accompanied by corresponding student templates for note-taking Reinforced through practice sheets Homework lessons 2-3 times per week

22 Daily Warm-up Activities  Review of previous concept  Basic skills review  Puzzles  Mathematical enigmas

23 Quizzes and Tests Chunk smaller amounts of information for weekly quizzes Utilize PSSA Coach Book for review lessons Format some questions with PSSA style format

24 Supplemental Materials Study Island online practice and quizzes Projects that reinforce learned objectives Open-ended PSSA style practice questions Algebra/Geometry Review Games PSSA Coach Book Ladders to Success

25 Student Testimonials “I thought the class was fun! Switching teachers gave us two different personalities in one class and made learning fun.” - Dale Roadarmel, 12th grade

26 Student Testimonials “I felt that it was good to have two teachers because if one was helping another person you did not have to wait for help. Everything was broken down in small steps and it was easier to learn. And I passed the PSSA!” - Kevin Worthington, 12th grade

27 Student Videos

28 Study Island Study Island is a powerful, yet simple to use, learning and teaching tool provided in a completely web-based format. In addition to featuring specialized preparation programs for state standardized tests. All students complete a pre-test. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) create common assessments to analyze the results of student achievement. Used as a remediation tool.

Questions? PowerPoint available for download: