Mathematics Navigations and Technology in Support of Algebra I and II
(THEC GEAR-UP 2008, funded $75,000)

Mathematics Navigations and Technology in Support of Algebra I and II will focus on inservice and preservice teacher professional development as an agent to effect change in the Grades 9-12 classroom. Through one, week-long summer workshop, and online, follow-up activities, 30 teachers will focus on (a) algebra tasks from the NCTM Navigations series, (b) calculator technology to assist in graphing for problem solving, (c) algebra tasks with computer technology from The Geometer’s Sketchpad series, (d) computer technology to assist in graphing on spreadsheets and use of Java applets, and (e) selected readings applicable to the algebra classroom. Activities have been selected as a means to improve the content knowledge and pedagogical skills of participating teachers, and, in turn, improve their students’ knowledge and skills, in algebra courses. Hands-on activities, using a variety of mathematics manipulatives, and constructivist strategies for teaching and learning, will be emphasized. State curriculum standards and expectations for Algebra I and Algebra II will be met through workshop activities. The project is also aligned to national curriculum standards for mathematics. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will collaborate with Grundy County (GEAR-UP), Meigs County (GEAR-UP), and Hamilton County on this project; university preservice teachers will also participate. Each participant will receive a $50-per-day stipend, five activity books, a workshop notebook, a TI-84+ Silver Edition calculator (if not provided through GEAR-UP), The Geometer’s Sketchpad software, a 1-year membership to NCTM (including the Mathematics Teacher journal and Journal for Research in Mathematics Education), a take-home package of books and manipulatives, and a daily breakfast snack, lunch, and parking pass during the workshop.