seymour teachers to transform math learning - one of first to roll-out ti-nspiretm technology

WHAT:  Do you think teachers get the summers off of work?  Not this summer! 

Debbie West, a teacher of Seymour Middle School, is a member of a select group of Tennessee teachers to receive specialized training on TI-Nspire^TM handheld and software technology.  Developed and tested with educators worldwide, this new educational technology platform is based upon research that shows when students learn across different visual representations of a problem, they develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and discover meaningful, real-world connections.

The intensive training program and TI-Nspire technology enables Debbie to:

-train teachers in her district and neighboring districts on the newest technology available to mathematics and science classrooms

-customize the learning experience for students and increase opportunity for success by drawing upon their individual strengths;

-broaden critical thinking skills by helping students learn across multiple representations (word problems vs. numeric equations vs. graphical or analytic exercises);

-facilitate “ah ha!” moments - enable students to make meaningful connections by observing mathematical relationships and the impact of changes through the “Grab-and-move” feature; and,

- ultimately, increase student achievement and positive outcomes.         

Debbie was picked from a pool of hundreds of applicants for the 11 days of Texas Instruments “Teacher Leader Cadre” training program this summers beginning in June.  Debbie was selected for the program based upon local leadership in successfully teaching with educational technology, and willingness to share this knowledge with others.  Texas Instruments, The Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Center (TMSTEC, based at Middle Tennessee University in Murfreesboro, TN) are jointly sponsoring this unique opportunity for Tennessee teachers, schools, and school districts.  

WHY:    Studies have shown that a low percent of U.S. students have the mathematics and science prerequisites to participate in our global, high-tech economy. The vast majority of businesses, private, public and government-owned, use some form of technology to operate. To help increase student interest in math and help prepare students for college and future careers, many teachers are turning to newer classroom technologies that teach tomorrow's workforce in more a engaging and effective manner.

VISUALS:Below are potential visuals that you may be able to cover – please discuss with school or district PIO to determine which are possible and appropriate based upon school policies and procedures:

-A classroom setting with students actively working with the technology

-A Teacher showing various representations of a math problem all at one time, demonstrating the connection between them and showing the effects of changes real-time

-Close-ups on the technology and multiple representations on-screen

-Students available for comment

-Teacher available for comment

-School administrator available to discuss teacher achievement