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This year the Kasnas City, Kansas Public Schools' (KCKPS) Annual Math Relays not only inspired 1,400 students to see themselves as mathematicians, it also inspired teachers and administrators from five additional urban school districts as they lead Math Benchmarking in their own schools. The day was a clear demonstration that with the right curriculum and unwavering support, all students can be math achievers.
During the all-day Math Relays on Feb. 13, teachers, principals and, instructional coaches from schools in Kansas City, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., Independence, Cetner, Grandview and Hickman Mills also met for the second Math Benchmarking Conference. Throughout the day, the group of educators discussed instructional strategies for improving math achievement, and also experienced first-hand how an annual Math Relays even can contribute to building a culture of math achievement in their schools.
After PREP-KC hosted first Math Benchmarking Conference in September 2009, coordinator Susan Engelmann noted, "We immediately heard from our teachers and principals that they saw value in this, and wanted more. They told us that the opportunity to meet with other teachers who were facing similar challenges was invaluable. But we also wanted to promote powerful strategies to help students excel in school. One great example is the Math Relays."
Each conference focused on tough issues facing urban educators -- such as stagnant ACT scores -- and how the Math Benchmarking strategy, and events like the Math Relays help turn around students' attitudes and skills in math.
The Math Benchmarking strategy is a powerful set of teaching practices designed to ensure both adults and students believe that all students are able to achieve in math. Teachers use state and national math standards to develop rigorous standards-ased math programs, and students learn to be responsible for their learning and view math as an important part of their future. Math becomes a driving force to create a school culture where all students are college and career ready.
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