choosing the right adaptive math software: a buyer's guide

Introductions

Annie Galvin TeichModerator and Presenter Tech & Learning Contributing Editor

Speakers

Dr. Gregory FirnSuperintendent in ResidenceDreamBox Learning

Dr. Tara Nattrass Director of Elementary Education Cabarrus County Schools

AgendaMore rigorous math standards have been implemented across the country to equip students with a deeper understanding of math principles.

Our purpose today is to provide information to help districts evaluate adaptive math curriculum quality.

Poll Question #1How would you rate your current understanding of adaptive math solutions?

A. UnfamiliarB. Somewhat unfamiliarC. Somewhat familiarD. Very familiar

Poll Question #2What is the primary reason for attending today’s webinar?A. I want to stay educated on the latest technology solutionsB. My school/district needs to increase student achievement scores in mathC. My school/district is getting ready to evaluate adaptive math solutionsD. My school/district wants to evaluate DreamBox Learning Math

New Math StandardsFOCUS – narrow the scope of content and prioritize depth in

key topics instead of shallow exposure to a large number of topics.

COHERENCE – connect math topics within and between grade levels so they make sense instead of isolating them.

RIGOR – three aspects:Conceptual understandingProcedural skill and fluencyApplication in each grade

Promise of Adaptive Learning

Software captures student’s decisions and adjusts student’s learning path to be “just right” through individualized lessons.

Adaptive software also supports teachers with formative data to ensure students are engaged and self-directed.

District Strategic PlanningWhat goals do we want to support?What problems with student learning are we trying to

solve?What barriers are we trying to overcome?Does the curriculum empower students and

teachers through informative, embedded assessment?

Comparing Math CurriculumKEY CRITERIAFocus, coherence, and rigorDeep learning and independent problem solvingAssessment and scaffoldingIndividual learning pathsClassroom partnership

Criteria #1

Focus, coherence, and rigor – does each new topic build upon the previous in a progression that results in new and deeper mathematical insights for the student? Does the program support the three elements of rigor: conceptual understanding, procedural skill, and application?

Criteria #2Deep learning and independent problem solving –To what extent does the program allow students to explore solutions before being given the correct answer?

Do the digital lessons, tools, and games empower students to design their own solutions that reinforce problem solving and critical thinking skills?

Is there visual and auditory support for vocabulary development, acquisition, and usage?

Criteria #3Assessment and scaffolding – when and how is assessment happening? Is it a separate activity or embedded in the program so that students don’t notice? Is there real-time feedback based on different actions the student takes within the lesson?

What is the degree of adaptivity within and between the lessons?

Does student engagement help develop growth mindset?

Criteria #4Individual learning paths –the heart of personalized learning. Are students allowed to exercise choice in order to develop ownership of their learning? Or are lessons predetermined?

Does the program support non-linear pathways to conceptual development across topics and grade levels?

Do lessons progress in difficulty as students demonstrate proficiency for skills and concepts?

Criteria #5Classroom Partnership – how much control does the curriculum program give the teacher? Can the teacher assign specific content to students?

Is there a differentiation tool that allows teachers to choose and assign content to meet the needs of specific students?

Are there diagnostic, standards-based reports?Is there sufficient professional development to support teachers’ successful implementation?

Putting it All TogetherAll of these criteria contribute to a deeper learning experience in math. Understanding how each of these strengthens essential math skills through personalized learning experiences is critical for choosing the program that best meets your district’s needs.

Our Journey

Building a Common Language(Horn and Staker, 2015)

Blended Learning Technology-rich Instruction

A formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace:

At least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home;

And the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.

Shares the features of traditional instruction, but has digital enhancements:Electronic whiteboardsBroad access to internet devicesDocument camerasDigital textbooksInternet toolsGoogle docs

Online learning does not generally replace face-to-face instruction for content delivery

Teachers at the Center of Implementation

Planning content and learning experiencesDifferentiating and personalizing instruction

Facilitating critical thinking and higher-level learning experiences

Classroom Management

Managing student learning experiences

Using data to determine learning experiences

Resources for Implementation

Content for Planning

Tools for Differentiation

Adaptive Tools

Learning Management System

Narrowing the Options

Teacher Evaluation

Evident or Not EvidentAlignment with the Implications of the CCSS for Mathematics

Not Present, Barely Evident, Evident in Some of the Materials, Evident in the Majority of the Materials, Embedded

throughout the MaterialsEquity

Assessments

Technology

Teacher Evaluation

Enduing Value: Transformative ImpactThe Three C’s of impact that drive “choice”Coherence of vison and missionTrusted Colleague, Thought PartnerSense of UrgencyBeyond Programming: Teaching and Learning

ReimaginedPrevention to Intervention

Q&A

DreamBox Learning® K–8 MathAvailable in English & Spanish

DreamBox Lessons & Virtual ManipulativesIntelligently adapt & individualize to:•Students’ own intuitive strategies•Kinds of mistakes•Efficiency of strategy•Scaffolding needed•Response time

Insight DashboardsTailored insights for every participant of the learning experience.

This month we are headed to NCSM & NCTM! Catch us at @DreamBox_Learn

Seeing is believing! www.DreamBox.com/request-a-demo

We value your feedback!

Let us know how we’re doing:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FT32PC2