Both accuracy and automaticity are vital in mastering mathematics through Algebra 2! This session will help teachers develop fluency across grade levels and content areas by refining instructional strategies that match instructional phase to evidence-based practice and go beyond traditional timed practice. We’ll explore innovative approaches, including tracking completion time for a set problem count instead of fixed-duration timing, to build student confidence and precision. An emphasis will be placed on goal-setting to enhance student motivation while targeting discrete skills for focused improvement. Attendees will leave with practical tools to implement more effective and engaging fluency-building techniques in their classrooms.
Educators have many assessment tools at their disposal, but a comprehensive process for screening and progress monitoring students may need refinement in order to make timely, accurate, and meaningful instructional decisions. In this session, participants will walk away with a better understanding of how to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of math screener data in relation to state assessments; better understand the “gated screening approach” versus a one-time screener model; and determine optimal screening frequency and timing throughout the year. Lastly, attendees will learn how to establish a standardized progress monitoring environment to reduce measurement error, better compare mastery measurement of discrete skills with general outcome measurements, and learn best practices for graphing and interpreting data to make responsive instructional decisions.
This interactive session will provide you with the latest research and updates in literacy instruction. Dr. Laurie Curtis from KSDE Early Literacy/Dyslexia Program, will highlight new initiatives, policy changes, and resources aimed at supporting evidence-based reading practices in schools. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and make connections to their current literacy practices.
Denise has been part of the Kansas MTSS state team for many years. A former general and special education teacher, working with elementary, secondary and college students, her passion is to place the practical application of what we know about literacy into the more than capable... Read More →
You’ve heard that Explicit Instruction (EI) is outdated, boring, ineffective, and mainly reserved for students who are behind; decades of empirical evidence prove otherwise. This session will explore how to leverage the essential elements of EI to create a more engaging, structured, and systematic instructional approach. One key focus will be embedding Opportunities to Respond (OTRs) to increase student interaction, motivation, and learning outcomes while providing timely formative assessments to better understand each student’s learning progress. We will also make connections to common myths that undermine effective math teaching and examine how misconceptions about EI may limit its potential impact.
