How will the Idaho Math Initiative help teachers?

The Idaho Math Initiative will help provide teachers with the professional development they need to stay up-to-date on the current research in math education. A three-credit core math class will be a focus of the first year of the Idaho Math Initiative. Math teachers and administrators who evaluate these teachers will be required to take this core math class for certification prior to September 1, 2014. The course will focus on how students successfully learn math. This course is to support teachers by educating them about the latest research, questioning strategies, ideas for using formative assessments, best practices for individualizing instruction, ways to deal with student's misconceptions, and opportunities for students to communicate their thinking processes. The Math Initiative will also provide training for regional math specialists, who will provide professional development for math teachers regionally on a regular basis.

Learn about the latest research in math education.

The Idaho Math Initiative is based on the most current research in math education, which has been supported by the findings of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel.

Links:

Northwest Regional Education Laboratory

National Math Panel.

  • The National Mathematics Advisory Panel presented its Final Report to the President of the United States and the U.S. Secretary of Education in March. The findings in these reports match the goals and objectives of the Idaho Math Initiative. www.ed.gov/mathpanel

News articles about math education.

  • The Educational Leadership journal highlighted the latest research in math education and how it will impact students and teachers in its November 2007 edition. Check it out!
  • The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics and the Journal of Research in Mathematics Education have produced a number of news articles detailing improvements in math education at different grade levels.
  • Boise State University's Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies manages the Institute for Developing Mathematical Thinking, which is helping to improve math education across the United States. Learn more about this cutting-edge research. Click Here.

Learn more about the details of the Idaho Math Initiative. Download the State Department of Education's 2008 Report the Legislature. (PDF of Report to Legislature)

The National Council for Teachers of Mathematics and the Journal of Research in Mathematics Education have produced a number of news articles detailing improvements in math education at different grade levels.