Problem Solving and Critical Thinking with Discrete Mathematics for K-8

Rutgers University
Busch Campus, Piscataway, New Jersey

Two eight-day programs

(spring and summer)
May 20, May 30, June 3, 2008
and
June 26 - July 2, 2008 (snow date of July 3)

or

(summer only)

July 15-18 and July 21-24

---

This program features contemporary topics in mathematics that can be used in K-8 classrooms. This program is a two-year program that begins in 2008 and ends in August 2009 incorporating summer programs in both school years and school-year follow-up sessions.

Program participants will learn about discrete mathematics and its use in problem solving activities. The participants will review and prepare materials that they can use to introduce these topics in their classes.

The program is structured to encourage active participation. Those who attend will be involved directly in the learning process through use of workshop groups, participant presentations and discussions, and problem-solving sessions. Previous program participants will report on their classroom experiences and share instructional materials they have prepared and used successfully.

The program will prepare teachers to introduce discrete mathematics into the classroom and the curriculum. Participants will be expected to develop instructional materials for their own use and for use by other teachers, and to present workshops on institute topics in their schools and districts.

Who Should Apply?

 

The institutes are designed for all K-8 teachers, including special education teachers, new teachers, mathematics coaches, and curriculum specialists.

 

Priority will be given to teachers from the partner districts of Plainfield and Perth Amboy who apply by March 24, 2008 deadline. Funding to support their participation is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Educaiton.

 

Other New Jersey teachers will be accepted on space available basis after the partner application deadline.

When & Where Are The Institutes?

The Problem Solving and Critical Thinking with Discrete Mathematics (PSDM) program is a 14-day program that spans 2 years. All workshops will take place on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey.

 

Year 1 of this program is an 8-day program. Participants can select to attend either:

• the 3 days of May 20, May 30, June 3 and the 5 days of June 26- July 2 (snow date of July 3)

or

• the 8 days of July 15-18 and July 21-24

Please see the application form to select program dates.

Math Specialists and Math coaches will be expected to attend two additional curriculum developement workshops on Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29, 2008.

Year 2 which begins in September 2008 includes 6 days of workshops consisting of two school-year follow-up sessions, a spring conference and a 3-day summer program in 2009. (Dates for Year 2 are to be determined)

What Other Programs Are Offered?

Similar first and second summer programs are scheduled this year. The University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio will offer a first summer program in 2008. Other programs will be announced as funding is received. Rutgers University will also be conducting a related program for high school teachers in New Jersey. In addition, the University of Dayton is conducting a second summer program for participants who have participated in previous programs. The 7th Annual K-12 Boston College / Rutgers University Conference on Discrete Mathematics will be held at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Rutgers will be holding an annual conference for K-12 teachers of discrete mathematics on Saturday, April 26, 2008 on the Busch campus

Are There Any Fees?

There are no fees for K-8 teachers and coaches in our partner districts, Perth Amboy and Plainfield. We also anticipate that there will be no fees for New Jersey K-8 teachers and coaches from other schools who are accepted into the program

Is There a Stipend?

Participants from partner schools will receive a stipend of $500 ($100 per summer day) for participation in the full 8-day program. Math coaches from partner schools who also attend the July 28 & 29 sessions will receive additional compensation.

What Are The Application Deadlines?

The deadline for priority applications from the partner schools is Monday, March 24, 2008. After this date, applicants will be accomodated on a space available basis.

Is Credit Offered?

Participants can earn 56 professional development hours (CEU's) for full participation in the first eight days of the program. Participants who submit additional written work and incorporate additional activities into their classrooms will be eligible to earn two graduate credits in mathematics education from Rutgers University at a reduced tuition cost.

Have Any Questions?

Call or email Debbie Toti if you have any questions or to check availability at: (732) 445-4065 or toti@dimacs.rutgers.edu.

Who Sponsors The Institutes?

The New Jersey Department of Education under the Improving Teacher Quality State Grant Program with additional support provided by the Center for Mathematics, Science and Computer Education (CMSCE) at Rutgers University in partnership with the school districts of Perth Amboy and Plainfield, NJ.

Developed by?

Developed by the Leadership Program in Discrete Mathematics, Rutgers University, New Jersey with support from the National Science Foundation, the Center for Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science (DIMACS) and Rutgers' Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education (CMSCE). The program has been successfully implemented 49 times in 11 states over the past 12 years.

The Leadership Program in Discrete Mathematics can be replicated in your region for K-8 teachers, primary teachers, or middle school teachers, either as an institute or as a sequence of one- or two-day sessions during the school year. For information about the Leadership Program (including costs) and about institutes in other states, go to the LP Institutes Home Page; contact our office by email at: jckowalczyk@gmail.com; by phone at (401) 841-5583; or by mail to:

Leadership Program in Discrete Mathematics
Rutgers University
SERC Building - Room 221 Busch Campus
118 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8019

Program Staff?

Dr. Joseph G. Rosenstein, director, Rutgers University

Debbie Toti , site director, Rutgers University

Janice C. Kowalczyk, associate director, Rutgers University

Gail S. Holmes, assistant director, Rutgers University

How Do I Apply?

The deadline for all applications is Friday, March 24, 2008. After that date, participants will be accommodated on a first-come first-served basis as long as space is available.  To apply, complete the Institute Application Form and send it to the address indicated.

If you have a problem printing these forms, you can request that they be mailed to you by contacting Debbie Toti at (732) 445-4065 or toti@dimacs.rutgers.edu.