With the successful implementation of Character-Based Literacy (CBL), we led a collaboration of 28 county offices of education in the development of the Numeracy Project, a standards-based compilation of 141 lessons covering each of the 47 standards necessary to pass the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE).

The Numeracy Project was proudly rolled out statewide in October 2005 in the form of professional development for teacher leaders to build capacity. They returned to their districts to train and support other teachers.

Highlights:

Set of three differentiated lessons for 47 of the standards from CAHSEE Suitable for all intervention classes related to the CAHSEE Mathematically correct / teacher-friendly lessons Lessons include all necessary transparencies and handouts Demonstrates HOW a mathematics lesson should be constructed Extremely useful for teachers whose are of expertise is not mathematics Suggested timeline for use throughout the year Can be very useful for substitute teachers

Our Goal

The focus of our partnership with math leaders across the state was very specific: Develop a mathematics instructional delivery system for juvenile court and community schools that provides teachers with he preparation, strategies and tools to effectively engage underachievers with diverse skill levels and learning needs.

A Broader Application

As the project evolved, it became clear that the Numeracy Project has application beyond the walls of court and community school classrooms, specifically:

• Detailed daily lesson plans and instructional tools are extremely useful for new teachers and teachers whose area of expertise is NOT math which may include substitute teachers
• Suitable for all students working below grade level or needing intensive content intervention to pass the CAHSEE in regular comprehensive high schools, continuation schools, independent study, special education, and adult education, and summer school intervention

How It Differs from Other CAHSEE Programs

Effective Tools

Teachers are provided with the materials, specific step-by-step guidelines, and suggested timelines to effectively deliver instruction. Tools include three detailed lesson plans on each standard, scripts to use to teach each lesson, questions to ask in the Socratic method and when to ask them, as well as handouts and transparencies to use and at what point in the lesson to use them.

Options to Address Diverse Skill Levels and Learning Needs

Each lesson comes with three instructional options:

• Core - Application of concept (written to the standard)
• Developmental - Covers prerequisite content
• Extension - Additional practice of "going beyond the core lesson"

Helpful Technology

Included is a CD that offers three formats:

• Word Document - To permit editing to individual specifications
• PDF - Permanent with numbered pages
• Paper Flash - High-tech friendly

What Math Teacher Leaders have to say:

"Tremendously valuable. Practical materials, coherently presented ...useful, useful, useful!"

"I found it helpful to edit and clarify the process [to demonstrate] certain math concepts."

"An incredibly useful resource...this was one of the best workshops I've attended. I will use all the materials!"