AMAPS Meeting

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Minutes

78 Attendees

The meeting opening with a welcome to all AMAPS members and the representatives from Key Curriculum Press and IPM with Whiteboard from Danny Jaye.

Dawn Techow represented Math for America to discuss scholarships for math teachers. First, Math for America is looking for exceptional math teachers to apply for the Newton Fellowship program for new math teachers. They will receive a 4-year stipend of $60,000. The second fellowship is the Master Teacher Program with a $10,000 a year annual stipend for the best and the brightest math teachers who exemplify keen leadership and coaching abilities. Teachers are encouraged to apply for these fellowships.

Steve Balasiano announced a math seminar hosted by the Association of Teachers of Mathematics of NYC on Saturday, November 20, 2004 at Hunter College.

Danny discussed the “new” weighting of AP Courses on student transcripts. Apparently, there are problems with the HSST system as it weights/calibrates the GPA for students in advanced placement classes higher but inappropriately. Danny recommended that AMAPS further investigate this matter so that it will encourage students to take the advanced classes without penalty to students’ GPAs.

Presentation by Host: (Key Curriculum Press)

There is a Pilot Program of Geometer’s Sketchpad held at the Learning Centers at Flushing HS and Stuyvesant HS. These centers provide inquiry learning using Geometer’s Sketchpad for students and teachers. AMAPS members are encouraged to see Paul Cinco for further information to take part in this program. In addition, it was mentioned that teachers must be encouraged to become involved in integrating technology into math lessons.

Presentation by Steve Rausmussen using Geometer’s SketchPad for algebra to calculus. Steve featured the dynamics of mathematics in motion to emphasize basic and abstract math concepts that will provide greater meaning and understanding for students. He said Geometer's Sketchpad is not just geometry.

New Business:

New Standards are available on the New York State website. In light of the presentation, Danny strongly recommended that we push teachers to become familiar with dynamic mathematics to meet the challenges of the proposed “new” math standards. AMAPS members have until December 4, 2004 to make any recommendations. (Forward them to Susan and/or Mike.) The hot topic in mathematics is the use of a calculator on the 4^th grade assessment. AMAPS is looking for a team of volunteers to write a letter to the state to address the appropriateness of the new standards. Several members raised concerns about the new standards; however, Mike will field member concerns by way of e-mail. Mike and Susan volunteered to co-chair the committee to write the letter to the state. The committee will meet immediately following the general meeting.

Mike Riccardo collected AMAP dues.

The executive board meeting was cancelled. Any further business will be communicated by e-mail.

Next meeting on December 9, 2004 will be posted to the AMAPS website