A New Vision for Math: Equity and Inclusion through the Michigan Early Math Essentials

Do you have any memorable experiences from your preK-12 math classes? What specifically stands out to you? How did those experiences make you feel? For me, one standout moment was when I memorized my multiplication tables in third grade to go to McDonald’s with my teacher as a reward. My best friend and I planned to pass on the same day to enjoy lunch together. I also recall geometry being quite challenging when I was a freshman. The different shapes and properties were difficult to remember, and I didn’t enjoy it. However, I found Algebra 2 to be enjoyable since I was good at memorizing the rules. Like chess, Algebra is a game where you must “win” by getting the correct answer. I loved that aspect of it.

Historically, students would observe their teacher solving math problems, understand the steps involved, and then attempt to solve the problems independently. They would sit in their seats, facing the front, and take notes or practice the steps quietly on paper. The storylines of students created by these experiences categorized each of them as either “a math person” or “not a math person.”

Professional Learning During Stay at Home Order

What a whirlwind this time has been! We are finding new ways to take care of our students, their families, and our community. While all this is going on, we are tending to our own personal wellness, health, and education of our loved ones. 

As you settle into your routine, you may find that you are ready to grow your professional knowledge. The Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy documents and modules are available to you online for free.

SCECHs are available and each module is packed with research-informed, practical learning. The links below will bring you to your area of practice or interest.

For those teaching and leading in K-3, the first document linked below sets the stage for the Essentials and outlines where each of the foundational skills are found in the Essential Practices for Early Literacy – K-3: A Guide to Michigan’s FREE Online Professional Learning Materials on Research-Supported Practices for Developing Foundational Skills (and Other Areas) in Literacy

The Essential Instructional Practices in Literacy can be found below linked by age/grade level. Learning modules are linked on the right-hand side of each page.

• The Essential Instructional Practices in Language and Emergent Literacy, Birth to Age 3
• The Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy, Grades PreK-K
• The Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy, Grades K-3
• The Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy, Grades 4-5
• The Essential School-Wide and Center-Wide Practices in Literacy
• The Essential Practices for Disciplinary Literacy Instruction: Grades 6-12

If you need assistance with how to sign up to access the modules please visit https://literacyessentials.org/literacy-essentials/resources/

Look for additional online learning opportunities at Kent ISD, click here.

#LiteracyEssentials #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd

This blog post was written by Christi Gilbert, Early Literacy Coach for Kent ISD and edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Learning Coordinator at Kent ISD.