A partnership among 11 west Cook County districts to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in grades six through nine
Support for WCMI is provided by the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, in partnership with the West 40 Intermediate Service Center #2 and the UIC Learning Sciences Research Institute.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
Establish a community of school districts and practitioners in west Cook County that works together on mathematics improvement.
Develop joint solutions to commonly held problems involving the preparation for algebra in the middle grades and the teaching of algebra in 8th and 9th grades.
Strengthen the districts capacity to support improved mathematics instruction and retain highly qualified staff.
Support a range of mathematics improvement activities as part of a common, comprehensive mathematics initiative among participating districts.
Improve student outcomes and success in mathematics.
PROJECT PARTNERS
West 40 Intermediate Service Center No. 2
Eleven participating west Cook County districts
University of Illinois at Chicago Learning Sciences Research Institute (LSRI)
The Chicago Community Trust
PARTICIPATING DISTRICTS
2010-2011 ACTIVITIES
BUILDING MATHEMATICS LEADERSHIP CAPACITY
Designed to develop a cadre of administrators and mathematics leaders who are prepared to promote improved, coherent policies and programs within and across participating districts.
District Leadership Teams
Each participating district will continue or establish a Mathematics Leadership Team.
Mathematics Institute for Administrators and Instructional Leaders
TEACHER ENHANCEMENT BUILDING TEACHER CAPACITY AND LEADERSHIP
Designed to build teacher leadership capacity, strengthen teachers knowledge of mathematics and of the teaching and learning of mathematics.
University-based courses
Teacher Leadership Academy
Accessibility Workshop
Coaching support
Ongoing coaching support will be provided for designated teacher leaders and participants in the Accessibility workshops.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION
Intensified Algebra 1 Field Test
Some districts are participating in the 2010 - 2011 field test of Intensified Algebra 1. In addition to a rigorous mathematics core, Intensified Algebra 1 addresses the social, affective, linguistic, and strategic cognitive and metacognitive dimensions of learning mathematics.
Additional information is available on the
attached document. (PDF)
TRANSITIONS TO HIGH SCHOOL
Districts will continue or establish articulation teams that provide the opportunity for high school and elementary leadership teams to collaborate and discuss issues related to transitions from middle school to high school.
For additional information send email to
wcmi@west40.org or contact us at
708-544-4890, Extension 160.
