Lower School Teachers Explore Effective Math Instruction in PD with Erma Anderson

In an effort to strengthen math instruction and enhance student learning, Lower School teachers at TAS engaged in a series of professional development sessions with Ms. Erma Anderson, a highly respected math educator. These workshops, designed to provide teachers with research-based tools and strategies, focused on identifying student needs and implementing effective math interventions within the classroom. 

This was the first time TAS had the opportunity to host Erma Anderson in a virtual professional development series. Her expertise in math education spans decades, including work with international schools and the AERO Mathematics Project. The online sessions were structured around the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and provided interactive opportunities for teachers to deepen their understanding of how to support students at different levels of math learning. 

Data-Driven Instruction and Targeted Interventions  

Lower School teachers have been collaborating this year to refine their approaches to data collection, analysis, and application in the classroom. A key focus of this work has been the development of high-quality instruction for all students, alongside targeted interventions informed by collected data. In Erma's workshops, teachers have deepened their understanding of mathematical proficiency and explored effective instructional strategies to support students in all aspects of their learning. 

The sessions were divided into three modules, each building on the previous one: 

• Module 1: Identifying Student Needs in Mathematics focused on using assessment techniques to pinpoint student strengths and areas for growth within core instruction. 

• Module 2: Implementing Effective Math Interventions in Tier 1 introduced Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation strategies to engage and support all learners within the general classroom setting. 

• Module 3: Implementing Effective Math Interventions in Tier 2 provided targeted approaches for students requiring additional support, integrating interventions seamlessly into daily instruction. 

These discussions empowered teachers with strategies to make math more accessible and engaging for students, ensuring that interventions are timely, effective, and adaptable to different learning styles. 

Strengthening Classroom Practices  

Throughout the sessions, teachers actively engaged in collaborative discussions, applied new strategies in practical exercises, and reflected on how to integrate these approaches into their daily instruction. The workshops underscored the importance of fostering a classroom environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes and learning through problem-solving. 

Ms. Katie O'Gorman, the Lower School Math Coordinator, emphasized the impact of the time spent growing as educators: “Erma's workshop supported the ongoing work in our lower school of making math engaging and accessible for all students. By leveraging data to identify student needs, we are able to design targeted interventions that ensure every student receives the support they need to develop a strong foundation in mathematics.” 

While our teachers are continuously learning and refining their approaches to enhance math instruction in the Lower School, we also recognize the vital role parents play in supporting their children's mathematical growth at home.

Resources for Supporting Math at Home  

To support ongoing math learning at home, parents can access a wealth of resources tailored to each grade level, including interactive activities, problem-solving games, and real-world math applications. These resources offer easy-to-implement strategies to make math a natural part of daily conversations. By encouraging curiosity and viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, parents can help foster a positive math experience for their children. 

• Math at TAS - Grades 3-5 
• Math at TAS - Grades 1-2 
• Math at TAS - Grades KA-K 

Through continued collaboration and professional learning, TAS remains committed to equipping teachers with the tools they need to provide high-quality math instruction. With the knowledge gained from these sessions, educators are better prepared to help students develop confidence and proficiency in mathematics, setting them up for long-term success.