Dear Principals (and teachers),
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability tends to be one of the most challenging areas for students, often showing lower average scale scores compared with other math content domains (like algebra, geometry, or number properties/operations) in recent NAEP data explorations (The Hidden Roots of Mathematics Struggles: Foundational Gaps Over Conceptual Peaks - The Learning Agency). This pattern is especially pronounced at grade 8, where students historically score lower in data and statistics topics than in many traditional computation or algebra areas.
The CRMC is planning to assist teachers with improving scores in this area with a professional development day on March 10. At this event, teachers will learn how to incorporate the free Common Online Analysis Data Platform (CODAP) in their classrooms. CODAP provides opportunities for teachers to pull large scale data sets from NASA, NHANES, and NOAA right into their class for learning purposes. CODAP also provides space for teachers to collect data right from their students in google to display and analyze live.
This day will be a great opportunity for your teachers to think through how they are planning to teach their data units in the upcoming weeks. The cost per teacher to attend this event is $125. To register your teachers, simply reply to this e-mail with your teacher names and email addresses within one week of the professional development. I believe your teachers will really learn a lot from the day and enjoy learning from Dr. Conway on how to improve statistical reasoning in their classrooms.
