MCATA Conference 2012

Math is NOT a Spectator Sport!

Oct. 12-13, 2012

Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper

Keynote Session

Game Time: Put them in they're ready to play!

Do we want students to simply do math as a series of abstract concepts or do we want them to immerse themselves in the math that's all around them. This session will highlight ways in which math instruction can move into the 21st century by changing how students both think and feel about math. It's time for teachers to think about math instruction from the paradigm of possibility and for students to finally get off the bench. We know what works, we have a good game plan, and our students are in the right frame of mind, so now it's time to play!

Breakout Session

How do you know that they know?

An over-reliance on a narrow set of "traditional" math assessment formats can lead to misinformation about student learning. This session will focus on the development of a balanced, authentic assessment approach to math. Specifically, participants will understand how to deconstruct curricular outcomes into enabling targets, how to match those targets to the appropriate assessment methods, and how to ensure that our assessments are both authentic and accurate. In addition, a variety of feedback methods will be explored that describe where students can improve rather than simply how many questions were correct.

BIO

Tom Schimmer is an education author & consultant from Penticton, BC (Canada). An educator since 1991, Tom has been a classroom teacher, a school administrator, and a district level leader.

Tom is recognized as a leader and expert in the areas of assessment for learning, sound grading practices, and educational leadership. He has delivered both keynote and workshop sessions at major conferences, as well as for schools and school districts, across North America as well as internationally.

Tom’s messages are clear and simple; his practical and grounded approach to putting theory into practice has been widely received. He has been a regular presenter at both the July & December Pearson-Assessment Training Institute’s Conferences in Portland, Oregon and was the featured presenter on the British Columbia Educational Leadership Council’s provincial-wide webcast (Oct. 2008) on Assessment for Learning.

Tom is the author of Ten Things that Matter from Assessment to Grading (Pearson Canada). He holds a Teaching Degree from Boise State University (1990) and a Master’s Degree (Curriculum & Instruction) from the University of British Columbia (1999).