News

MTC4SM is excited to continue our fall online series Election 2024: The Math of US. Please join us on Tuesday, October 8 at 6:30 pm to explore Redistricting: The Shapes of Democracy. (Brief description below.)  Register here. A zoom link is sent morning of the session.

Description: Are we choosing our elected officials, or are they choosing us? Every ten years following the Census, states must redraw their district maps, and this process is often manipulated to benefit those in power. Come see how the same people voting can lead to different outcomes, depending on how the maps are drawn. Mathematicians have intervened with various approaches to "fair" maps, and we provide this context along with an introduction to a mapping program.

Please also share with colleagues or other interested educators. See our website - workshop tab- for registration for the other sessions.

Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Opportunity for high school juniors and seniors

Southern Connecticut State University was recently awarded a $3.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance diversity in STEM fields. As the lead institution for the Nutmeg State LSAMP program, Southern Connecticut State University is collaborating with its three sister institutions: Central, Eastern, and Western Connecticut State Universities to address the three main causes of attrition in STEM: success in mathematics and other gateway courses, financial need, and fostering a sense of belonging.

Funding for the first two years of this five-year grant was awarded on October 1, 2023, and will be renewed annually through 2025, 2026, and 2027. As we prepare to recruit our next cohort for the fall of 2025, I would greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about this initiative.

Please see the below article links and a photo with SCSU LAMP scholars and Dr. Dwayne Smith, President  SCSU:

https://www.easternct.edu/news/_stories-and-releases/2023/11-november/increasing-stem-diversity-and-retention-are-goals-of-new-grant.html

https://ctbythenumbers.news/ctnews/southern-ct-state-secures-32-million-nsf-grant-to-supercharge-stem-diversity

https://www.easternct.edu/news/_stories-and-releases/2024/07-july/inaugural-lsamp-program-acclimates-incoming-eastern-students-to-college-life-stem-education.html

https://www.wtnh.com/video/southern-connecticut-state-university-launches-alliance-for-minority-participation-program/9718296/

Now through Thursday, October 24^th, teachers can submit their application by answering three simple questions.

After the applications close, 5 schools from each state will be declared winners and earn at minimum $2,500 in technology for their classroom(s) before moving on to the next round!

Positive change begins with just one idea, and we can’t wait to see what students in your school(s) can come up with! For more details, including the contest rules and how to apply, please click here.

The Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England (ATMNE) is hosting a book talk during the 2024-2025 school year, featuring Choosing to See: A Framework for Equity in the Math Classroom, by Kyndall Brown and Pam Seda. All of the New England affiliates are being invited to join. As a member of ATOMIC, please consider joining this timely book study.

Registration and more information are provided at the registration link below. A $5 registration fee provides the book (for the first 300 participants). Register for the book talk here.

You can pick up the book at the 2024 ATMNE fall conference in Nashua, NH or we will send it to you.

Hello Math Educators! 

MTC4SJ is launching its AY 24-25 season! 

We are excited to announce our fall 3-part online series Election 2024: The Math of US.

Please join us to learn about some mathematical aspects of our political and voting systems. These ideas can readily be incorporated into math classrooms to make more transparent our democratic systems, its power, tradeoffs, and potential points of inequities.

Please join us (on zoom) for any or all of these sessions! 

Click here for registration link for Session 1.  See our website - workshop tab- for registration for the other sessions.

Please also share with colleagues or other interested educators.

The Connecticut Council of Leaders of Mathematics will be hosting their annual fall dinner on Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the TPC River Highlands Clubhouse in Cromwell, CT.

The event promises to be a great night of networking and focusing on system math improvement across the state. Additional information and the registration link can be found on the attached flyer.

2024 CCLM fall dinner flyer (1).docx

Performance Matters Forum 2024  

Registration for the 2024 Performance Matters Forum (PMF) is now open! Please forward this message to all district and school staff who plan to register for the 2024PMF scheduled for October 10, 2024, at the Connecticut Convention Center from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This year’s conference will feature sessions on topics such as alternative programming, assessment, educational research, literacy, multilingual learners, postsecondary readiness, school climate, and student and family engagement. All attendees should complete the Registration Form by Friday, October 4, 2024. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Defined Professional Learning Opportunities for Fall 2024:  September dates approaching

Good morning. Just a reminder that the September Defined Professional Learning opportunities are quickly approaching. Registrations for these sessions as well as all the fall sessions for novice and advances users are available at Defined Connecticut Professional Learning Opportunities.

Contact Cheryl Tokarski – cheryl.tokarski@ct.gov with any questions.

Sacred Heart University, a Code.org Regional Partner, strives to enhance computer science education across Connecticut. Below are details about professional learning options as SHU works to meet the diverse needs of educators in our community. Please complete the needs survey to inform professional learning workshops offered.

Workshop Details:

• Locations: Fairfield, Plainfield, and possibly Windsor Locks
• Format: In-person interactive sessions, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities

Programs Offered:

• Elementary Master CS Teacher (K-5)
• Computer Science Discoveries, with AI/ML (6-10)
• Computer Science Principles (9-12)
• Computer Science A (10-12)
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Seasoned CS Teachers
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Teachers New to CS 

The new Code.org AI/ML course gives students a deep understanding of how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) function. The course emphasizes imparting knowledge about the principles and mechanisms of AI/ML rather than offering an interface with applications such as Chat GPT. This approach allows students to develop a strong foundation in AI/ML, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the technology. 

Planned Schedule:

• Fairfield: June 24-28, 2024 8:30-3:30
• Plainfield: July 22-26, 2024 8:30-3:30
• Windsor Locks: TBA

Tell us What You Need:

We invite you to share your insights and preferences by completing a brief survey linked here to ensure these workshops align with your professional learning needs. Your input will help us tailor the content to meet the specific requirements of our diverse educator community.

Registration and Code.org Scholarships:

Code.org will be opening applications for the workshops in mid-January. We will ensure you receive detailed instructions on securing your spot by completing the survey.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Susan Auchincloss atauchinclosss@sacredheart.edu

Defined Professional Learning Opportunities in Fairfield County   

Defined Learning

The CSDE, in partnership with Defined, is providing an immersive and collaborative professional learning opportunity to engage educators in Defined Learning on December 6th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy. Click here for more information and to register.

Defined Learning is one of three components of the Defined ecosystem available to all CT districts at no cost. This immersive and collaborative experience brings together educators to introduce the Defined Learning resources and discuss best practices to utilize them in the classroom. Please bring a personal electronic device such as a laptop. All inquiries can be sent to Cheryl Tokarski at Cheryl.Tokarski@ct.gov.

Defined Careers

The CSDE, in partnership with Defined, is providing an immersive and collaborative professional learning opportunity to engage educators in Defined Careers on December 7th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST at Stamford Public Schools. Click here for more information and to register.

Defined Careers is one of three components of the Defined ecosystem available to all CT districts at no cost. This immersive and collaborative professional learning experience brings together school counselors and educators to deepen their understanding of how to utilize Defined Careers in the classroom, in advisory, and for career guidance. Please bring a personal electronic device such as a laptop. All inquiries can be sent to Cheryl Tokarski at Cheryl.Tokarski@ct.gov.