Pacifica Tribune 4/19/11. "Pacifica
School District earned a $50,000 grant called "Beyond Access to
Algebra: Preparing Students for 21st Century Success" through the
Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which has had a long-standing
relationship with PSD.This grant is matched with parcel tax and
Pacifica Education Foundation dollars to create a district-wide effort
in providing professional development for all teachers in mathematics.
Specifically,
this funding will enable Carline Sinkler, PSD math professional
learning facilitator, to support teachers in implementing 21st century
education in keeping with the common core state standards that includes
problem solving, innovative thinking and sound reasoning. Students
and teachers will explore ways to use new technologies to enhance
learning experiences and strengthen student achievement while addressing
the need to close achievement gaps within schools.
Sinkler and Steve Kesel, the 21st century professional learning facilitator, hope to ensure that all students are well prepared for algebra with the ability to use math as a valuable tool for success. PEF funds Kesel's position. During these financially trying times PSD underscores its sincere gratitude for the continued support of public education in Pacifica."
Posted by Kathy Meeh
Sinkler and Steve Kesel, the 21st century professional learning facilitator, hope to ensure that all students are well prepared for algebra with the ability to use math as a valuable tool for success. PEF funds Kesel's position. During these financially trying times PSD underscores its sincere gratitude for the continued support of public education in Pacifica."
Posted by Kathy Meeh
6 comments:
Not with any greater specificity, Kathy - no, I can't.
But that's because this grant is to the PSD (the elementary schools) and not the JUHSD (the high schools, for which I'm a board member).
I'm sure that it will improve the readiness of students from Pacifica's elementary schools to confront algebra in the 9th grade, but maybe Mike O'Neill (PSD Board member) can offer details?
I'll send him an email to alert him to your question.
Kathy, it gets a little confusing when you post your comments in the original article, rather than in the comments section.
Thanks Laurie, oops, sorry about that. Thought there was something a little goofy about the school district name, but it was only me that was goofy. Got thrown-off by the "beyond access to Algebra...problem solving, innovative thinking and sound reasoning...new technologies".
This math focus sounds like it is innovative if it isn't just a financial patch for the school district. Mike and any other PSD Board member or teacher please feel welcome to talk about the grant program.
"Professional learning facilitator"? Uh didn't that used to be good old mom and dad? And I don't think they got paid. Not financially, anyway.
Anon (1138), thinking back, guess there were math teachers in 7th and 8th grade, not prior. I agree "professional learning facilitator" is also part of a new vocabulary.
Steve (1130), I let that article comment stand as an update, but did remove the word comment. I can see how that could be confusing, and obviously I was confused about the level of education.
The article itself is not very descriptive, but we're happy to see Pacifica School District "awarded the grant".
Kathy and all:
I apologize for the delay in the response but a lot of the staff was out of the office during the Spring Break last week and I wanted to get the correct information. Here is the response from Davide Celoria our Assitant Superintendent.
The Pacifica School District/Silicon Valley Community Foundation Grant
The goal of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation grant is to:
1. support teacher collaborative learning
2. develop teacher algebra content knowledge
3. implementation of successful teaching practices
A math coach, currently employed by PSD, with Parcel Tax funds, is an individual with deep algebra and mathematic knowledge who provides classroom teachers with support for student instruction.
One area of emphasis is assessment. The assessment used in Pacifica School District is called the Mathematics Assessment Resource Service (MARS) tasks. The Math Coach supports teachers in the customization of their teaching to accommodate the needs of individual students and maximize the success of our students by using the results of these tasks.
Current California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) assessments are being changed to reflect the Common Core State Standards that include mathematics. The Math Coach is paid for with Parcel Tax and Silicon Valley Community Foundation these funds allow the Pacifica School District to adapt, evolve, and support teachers when the State testing changes.
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