This three-year grant supports teacher leaders in the pursuit of two goals.
GOAL 1 of SD COUNTS is to increase the number of k-5 teachers of mathematics who participate in content-based professional development activities. Throughout the first year, teacher leaders will receive further training inCGI, work collaboratively with other SD COUNTS teacher leaders, and make changes in their classroom practice with the assistance and support of the ESA 1 Math Specialist. SD COUNTS is not a curriculum. However, by increasing understanding about how students learn math and by providing tools, support, and an opportunity for collaboration with other math educators, SD COUNTS supports teacher leaders.
GOAL 2 is to improve student academic achievement in mathematics. The simple fact is that we must believe, “ All students can and should be proficient in mathematics” (NRC,2002). The world of our students has changed radically, but for the most part, our teaching of mathematics has changed little. SD COUNTS supports teacher leaders in their efforts to change their classrooms to meet the needs of all students!