Some Utah middle schools pilot a virtual math textbook created locally Some middle schools in Utah have begun using a virtual math textbook created by a team of educators led by the University of Utah. Development of Utah Middle School Math was funded by the state's legislature and allows teachers, students and parents to download free "chapters." Students work with the problems on iPads or other devices and can post their work on whiteboards with a single click. A program for high schools, the Mathematics Vision Project, is in development. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (1/11) Calif. school uses blended learning to personalize instruction for students A California school is testing blended learning -- a combination of online instruction and traditional methods -- to allow teachers to provide more personalized instruction for students and get immediate feedback on their progress. Educators say the method is especially beneficial both for students who are high achievers and those who are struggling, because students can work at their own pace with online lessons. The Atlantic online (1/10) Other News  |
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 | How to implement successful online learning programs Schools with successful online learning programs report having tools for monitoring and reporting progress in place, as well as the ability for teachers to step in and assist struggling students, according to a recent survey by MDR's EdNet on behalf of K12 Inc. Best practices also include hiring well-trained instructors, supplying a rigorous and engaging curriculum and providing students with enough training and information to be successful, the survey found. eSchool News (free registration) (1/10) Other News | Neb. district implements common-core-aligned math curriculum Though Nebraska is one of five states that have not adopted the Common Core State Standards, Omaha Public Schools have adopted the Go Math! curriculum, which is aligned with the common core. The curriculum has presented challenges to some teachers and parents who say it is making the subject more complicated and is frustrating for struggling students and those in special education. Supporters say the rigorous curriculum likely is to raise achievement and prepare students for college. Omaha World-Herald (Neb.) (1/12) | How to expand STEM learning opportunities The depth and breadth of science, technology, engineering and math education at K-12 schools can be increased by creating opportunities for teachers to do more research and collaborate to exchange ideas, as well as by including more parents and STEM professionals in the conversation, writes Matt Levinson, an educator at Marin Country Day School in California. In this blog post, he offers 10 recommendations, including the creation of STEM-related clubs and expanding the use of Skype to connect students to scientists in labs and their experiments. KQED.org/Mind/Shift blog (1/9) | Districts compete for students, funds with virtual charters With state funding for schools being distributed according to enrollment, many districts in Pennsylvania -- and nationwide -- now find themselves competing for students with virtual charter schools. "In states where either there are a lot of full-time online schools or really strong state virtual schools, we've seen the highest amount of district activity," said Matthew Wicks, the chief operating officer of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. Those education alternatives "create both an awareness and competition" for districts, he said. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (1/9) | Teaching math and literacy This free webinar is part of a series showcasing the Inspiring Middle School Literacy collection of blended lessons aligned to the common core. The webinar is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 5:00 p.m., ET. In these lessons, students practice literacy strategies while learning math and its practical application. Jane Porath, eighth-grade mathematics teacher and NCTM Board member, will delve into some of the research behind literacy in mathematics and how to better support students' literacy needs. Learn more.
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