Educators from across the county gathered at Dutchess BOCES’ Conference Center on Tuesday, May 13, for the NYSED Statewide: Numeracy Briefs Meeting.
The purpose of the meeting was to delve into New York’s eight briefs that together provide a roadmap to high quality mathematics instruction and a strong foundation in numeracy for students. Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, distinguished professor of education and TeachingWorks Director at the University of Michigan and Nicole Garcia, Associate Director of Teaching Works at the University of Michigan led the virtual meeting, simultaneously attended by educators throughout New York State while Rebecca Green, BOCES executive director of educational resources, acted as the local facilitator.
“We have spent a lot of time over the past several years talking about literacy and the Science of Reading, which is important and essential. Now, we have an invitation to discuss math. This is a welcome opportunity for our math leaders across Dutchess County as numeracy is equally important for our students to be successful in their post-secondary lives,” Green said. “We are very excited to collaborate with NYSED and our component districts to roll out the briefs and provide professional development to ensure students have the expertise needed to build a positive mathematical self-identity.”
The briefs, designed to be short and support all students, addressed key aspects that have an impact on mathematics instruction. They were developed to help NYS educators understand and use evidence-based practices for teaching mathematics. The eight briefs included: The Research Base for Mathematics Teaching and Learning; Debunking Myths about Mathematics Teaching and Learning; High-Leverage Mathematical Content; High-Leverage Instructional Practices; Mathematics Assessment of and for Student Learning; The Role and Challenges of Using Representations; Understanding, Using and Modifying Curriculum Materials; and The Role of Leadership.
Opportunities for onsite discussion and reflection allowed participants to brainstorm, exchange thoughts with each other and raise questions about the briefs on regular intervals after several presentations.
“The session encouraged us to reflect on both mathematical content and research-based best instructional practices that support the development of student mathematicians across grades K–12. We are encouraged by the state’s commitment to providing guidance that promotes more inclusive and equitable math instruction, helping all students build both skill and confidence in mathematics,” Arlington Central School District’s Director of Elementary Operations Jennifer Hammond-King said afterward.
Claire Mendoza from Olivet Academy in Amenia also appreciated participating.
“The material was very thorough,” Mendoza said. “We had good discussions with the group at our table and I feel I have a strong evidence-based plan to bring back to my school.”
The final brief: The Role of Leadership focused in on three intercepting leadership areas: Personal Growth and Learning, Supporting Teachers Learning, and Building Effective Systems and Structures. A key takeaway from this brief was how to build time and space into the schedule to support growth and help teachers move forward. As they closed out the day, participants were encouraged to commit to making one leadership move to enhance numeracy in their classrooms.
Learn more about the NYSED Numeracy Briefs at https://www.nysed.gov/standards-instruction/numeracy-initiative.