gecKo mathematics: Foundation for Mathematical Proficiency

Project Title: gecKo mathematics: Foundation for Mathematical Proficiency

Project Director: Dr. Janice Grow-Maienza

Lead Institution: Truman State University

Duration of Project: One year

Grade Level Focus: K-6 and other grades that appear to be below 5th grade proficiency

Credit Hours to be Provided: 3 graduate credit hours

Project Summary:

Truman State University and the Northeast Regional Professional Development Center, partnering with 12 high-need school districts in Northeast Missouri and other school districts in Missouri will sponsor a 2008 Summer Professional Development Institute designed to increase elementary and middle school teachers’ mathematics content knowledge and materials.  Secondary teachers with students below 6th grade proficiency in mathematics are also encouraged to attend.  The Institute will be held August 4 through August 15, 2008 at Truman State University.

Participants will increase their knowledge of mathematics concepts within the framework of the Missouri GLEs, Show Me Standards, and the Missouri Assessment Program during 1st week of each Institute using gecko mathematics and other NSF-funded materials.  gecko mathematics is based on the English translations of the Korean national curriculum used in 1994 when Korean students ranked 2nd in the world on the third International Mathematics and Science Study.  Participants will weave new concept-based materials into their own mathematics curriculum during the 2nd week of each Institute.