About the Practice
Instructional activities – Game activities
The practices involve creating additional classes called college ready classes. These classes are supplementary to the regular Regents math classes where the content area is reinforced through a series of mathematical based activities building on the students’ problem solving skills using collaborative strategies in the classroom. These strategies have been reinforced by utilizing the College Board Spring Board framework throughout the math curriculum.
The practice has been utilized since September 2013. The 9th grade Algebra 1 classes have utilized the college ready classes with this framework. The geometry and Algebra 2 classes have initiated the Springboard framework since February 2014.
These are activities are now embedded in the regular curriculum Bingo, Board games (maze), Jeopardy, task cards matching and Springboard activities.
Target Population/Total Students:
9th 10th and 11th Grade Algebra 1, Algebra 2 and Geometry students (950)
Challenges:
- Students refuse to work with certain students
- Content
- Time constraints
- Problems differentiating
- Teachers’ resistance to new frame work
How did school overcome challenges?
Repetitive use of similar activities
Professional development for teachers
Effectively differentiating instruction
Sharing success stories
How did you evaluate that this practice was effective?
The Regents exam results: In four months 60% of students math regents score improved and additional 19% attained the college ready score.
How will you continue to sustain this practice?
Through additional grants, corporate partnerships and a volunteer program.