News and Information

Check this page for the latest news and information

 

3/19/2012: Activating Hyperlinks on Flash Modules

The latest KAAP DVD features modules in Flash format instead of the usual Microsoft Powerpoint show. In order to activate the hyperlinks and make them accessible from the Flash file, follow the instructions written on the document below:
Instructions for Activating Hyperlinks on Flash Modules

2/1/2012 : GREAT RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS!!!

"The Mathematics Assessment Program (MAP) aims to bring to life the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in a way that will help teachers and their students turn their aspirations for achieving them into classroom realities." MAP materials are of two complementary kinds: 1) summative tests or tasks, and 2) formative assessment lessons. In addition, the project is also developing accompanying professional development modules. Check out this resource: http://map.mathshell.org/materials/index.php

MODULE CORRECTIONS ON DVD 3:

DVD 3 Integers Module: On the Supporting Documents link of this module, the Developing Exponential Rule Division Key link will redirect you to another document. Please use the hyperlink on the module, or click here to get the right document.

DVD 3 Sequences Module: The Using the TI-Nspire to Graph and Generate a Table of Sequence Values document hyperlinked on Slide 30 does not have the images of the calculator screen showing. Click here to get the revised document.

NEW FAX NUMBER:

The KAAP office has a new fax number. Please send your fax correspondence to (269) 387-3968.

COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS CROSSWALK

9/27/2011- The Common Core State Standards Crosswalk can be accessed at the following link: http://www.mictm.org/index.php/resources/common-core-state-standards/177-draft-michigan-content-expectationscommon-state-standards-crosswalks

PROJECT CONTINUATION

9/14/2011 - The Kalamazoo Area Algebra Project will continue until August 31, 2012.

DOCUMENTS:

11/23/10 - CALCULATOR TUTORIALS contains links to free on-line tutorials for increasing your working knowledge of your TI-Nspire or TI-84 Plus Silver Edition.

11/1/10 - KA2P Modules Document contains all of the relevant GLCEs, HSCEs, and Common Core Standards for each of the modules.

6/8/10 - PowerPoint from June 8, 2010 Information Meeting

EVENTS:

KA²P SUMMER 2011 CALCULATOR WORKSHOPS

Focus will be on Geometry/Algebra Connections

Will be held at Western Michigan University

SAVE THE DATES:

HIGH SCHOOL TI-NSPIRE - JUNE 20-22

Dr. Charles Vonder Embse, Central Michigan University

Dr. Douglas Lapp, Central Michigan University

MIDDLE SCHOOL TI-NSPIRE; HS AND MS TI-84 - JUNE 27-29

Dr. Charles Vonder Embse, Central Michigan University

Dr. Dennis St. John, Central Michigan University

More details to come!

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KA²P SPRING 2011 FOLLOW-UP CALCULATOR WORKSHOP

Who: All KA²P Participants

When: Saturday, April 16, 2011; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Rood Hall, Western Michigan University

Why: During this workshop, there will be an emphasis on participants developing pre-algebra or algebra lesson plans in topics of their choice that incorporate the utilization of the calculator in their classrooms.

What: Four session choices (topics to be determined by survey results) facilitated by nationally-recognized Texas Instrument instructors:

TI-Nspire Session Dr. Doug Lapp, Central Michigan University

TI-Nspire Session Dr. Dennis St. John, Central Michigan University

TI-Nspire Session Dr. Charles Vonder Embse, Central Michigan University

TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Session Dr. Jon Davis, Western Michigan University

More details to come!

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KA²P FALL 2010 FOLLOW-UP CALCULATOR WORKSHOP

Who: All KA²P Participants

When: Saturday, November 13, 2010; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Rood Hall, Western Michigan University

Why: To increase your mathematical content and pedagogical knowledge in the areas of pre-algebra and algebra through utilizing the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition or the TI-Nspire CAS calculator

What: Four session choices facilitated by nationally-recognized Texas Instrument instructors:

TI-Nspire CAS Advanced Experience Workshop - High School - Dr. Doug Lapp, Central Michigan University

TI-Nspire CAS Advanced Experience Workshop - Middle School - Dr. Dennis St. John, Central Michigan University

TI-Nspire CAS Beginner Experience Workshop - Middle and High School - Dr. Charles Vonder Embse, Central Michigan University

TI-84 Plus Silver Edition Advanced Experience Workshop - Middle and High School - Dr. Jon Davis, Western Michigan University

Other Information: Continental breakfast served beginning at 8:30 a.m. Lunch provided. Stipend of $150/day.

Please complete the attached registration form and either fax, e-mail, or snail mail it by Friday, October 15 to Cathie Wilson at the project office:

Fax: (269) 387-4530

E:mail: catherine.wilson@wmich.edu

Snail mail: 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5248

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LETTERS:

2/2/11 - Letter to participants from Connie Doorlag regarding a survey polling participants for topic choices for Spring 2011 Calculator Workshop

10/26/10 - Letter to participants from Dr. Meyer regarding KA²P 2010-2011 INCENTIVE

7/9/10 - Letter to Participants from Connie Doorlag regarding a possibility for funding classroom sets of calculators.

7/7/10 - Letter to Participants from Dr. Meyer regarding fall and spring calculator workshops.

6/9/10 - Letter to Participants from Connie Doorlag regarding formatting for the 2010-2011 school year.

MODULE CORRECTIONS:

ALGEBRAIC FUNCTIONS: DEVELOPMENT AND THEORY:

FACILITATOR NOTES: Slide 2.6 #3: Answer should be 2x^3 – 3x^2 + 8x - 12

PATTERNS, PLANE, AND SYMBOL ACTIVITY:

#1: Should read: "The following function produces the maximum number of regions in a plane . . . "

#1a: Second row of table should read: "No. of maximum regions (r)"

#6c: Should read: "Use this explicit formula to find how many maximum regions would be formed with 100 lines using the first function."

 

Project History:

After receiving approval from the Michigan Department of Education to proceed with a proposed 6th - 12th grade mathematics project, official planning for the KA²P project began with a meeting on July 21, 2009. During this time, representatives from eight Kalamazoo area school districts, Kalamazoo Area Mathematics & Science Center, Western Michigan University, and the Kalamazoo Area Algebra Project staff discussed the purpose and design of the project and the role each stakeholder would play. The intention was for teachers to begin participating in professional development during the fall of 2009.

By September, 115 teachers from 18 school districts had registered to participate in the project. However, due to funding issues, KA²P did not officially start until February 2010. On December 21, 2009, 32 participants relinquished some of their Christmas break and braved the snowy weather to attend an informational meeting during which the project and staff were introduced.

21 volunteer teachers were trained to be facilitators for their school districts on February 6, 2010 and the first Dinner/Dialog was completed on February 18 at Albion High School. On June 8, 2010, 29 participants and administrators attended a second informational meeting during which the school year's project was recapped, facilitators from three districts shared their experiences, next school year's plans were revealed, and questions were answered. By the end of the 2009-2010 school year, 131 participants from 23 districts and 40 schools had completed a total of 48 Dinner/Dialogs during 936 hours of professional development led by 24 facilitators!

In June 2010, 112 participants attended one of the two calculator workshops offered at Western Michigan University. Chuck VonderEmbse, Denny St. John, and Doug Lapp, T3 Instructors and mathematics professors from Central Michigan University led 4-day middle school and high school workshops focusing on the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition and the TI-nspire CAS calculators. Many topics were investigated and each participant left with additional mathematical and calculator knowledge, a notebook full of activities, and a new calculator.