The Common Denominator

Middle and High School teachers - it's time to pull your calculators out of storage! All Nspires must be checked out from TipWeb by either the Librarian/MTS, Master Teacher, or CILT. If you are new to one of these roles, please contact Michelle Gandy.

To disinfect a TI calculator in an effort to help prevent the transmission of a virus or other illness:

• DO NOT SPRAY WITH LYSOL! This can ruin the calculators!
• Use an “alcohol prep pad” of 70% isopropyl alcohol (available at any pharmacy or general drug store) to wipe down the calculator's screen, keypad, or back. Do not attempt to clean the inside of any ports.
• Please Note: Alternatively, you may put 70% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle, lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with the alcohol, and rub the calculator with the cloth. Do not spray any liquids directly onto a TI product.
• Immediately wipe the calculator with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue or film left by the alcohol pad.
• Avoid applying pressure to the screen/display. Keep foreign objects from penetrating the connectivity ports on the unit. Keep liquids from getting inside the calculator.

Source: Texas Instruments

Individual math toolkits are recommended for elementary in-school learners. Each student would have a labelled box, bin, or bag containing the manipulatives they will use for the six-weeks. This will help with cross-contamination between students while still allowing for learning support.

For at-home learners, both elementary and secondary, virtual manipulatives will be necessary. For most secondary classrooms and some elementary classrooms, individual math toolkits may be impractical, so virtual manipulatives may be necessary there as well.

Here are some links to free virtual math manipulatives and/or interactives:

• Math Geek list
• Desmos
• TI-Nspire
• NCTM Illuminations
• Glencoe
• Toy Theater

In past years, it has been common practice to store consumable textbooks and student journals in the classroom using bookshelves or crates. Think back for a moment...the bell rings as students clamber to retrieve their items, standing shoulder to shoulder with their classmates and touching every item in the bin. Then, they use the shared box of supplies to add information to their journal. How can we provide the resources students need while keeping them safe?

Some options to consider would be:

1. students keep their textbooks at home
2. students utilize the online version of their textbook
3. students keep journals or books in their backpack
4. students bring consumable books to class at the start of a unit and tear out the pages they will need for that unit
5. students use their own supplies for their journal
6. keep class sets of books put away unless they are needed; keep under desks if needed and wipe down outer cover between classes

The following virtual workshops are required for math teachers to ensure you are equipped with the tools needed to help your students succeed.

• Introduction to the Math Workshop Model
• Introduction to SpringBoard Math (secondary PreAP teachers only)
• Getting Started with TI-Nspire Technology (7th PreAP and higher)

If you have not yet attended, look in Eduphoria for upcoming opportunities.

I can't log in to Blackboard. Where are the curriculum resources?

The district no longer subscribes to Blackboard. All resources are accessible in Canvas. Visit this link for access to all instructional resources.

Is TEKS Resource System just a resource or do I have to use it?

TRS is our curriculum for all on-level K-12 math courses. Pre-AP math courses will use SpringBoard along with the curriculum frameworks from last year. These can be found in Canvas.

What is a Blueprint course in Canvas?

Teams of teachers and C&I personnel are creating basic lessons for students. Teachers will modify the lessons to meet their needs. Additions will be exported to teachers weekly.

Is Canvas only for At-Home learners?

No, Canvas is for all students. Lessons for at-home learners should mirror those for in-school learners as much as possible.

What are Local Resource Documents?

These documents, located in Canvas, give teachers access to the information from our locally created curriculum that is not in TRS. For example, sentence stems, anchor charts, activities, purchased items, etc.

The C&I math team:

• Michelle Gandy, Coordinator
• Amber Willis, Instructional Specialist
• Sonya Sukiennik, Instructional Specialist

#tylerisdmath

Email: michelle.gandy@tylerisd.org
Website: https://www.tylerisd.org/Domain/90
Location: 807 West Glenwood Boulevard, Tyler, TX, United States
Phone: 903-262-1949
Twitter: @TylerisdMath