Project GRAD Knoxville Math Team Mission

We provide customized support for teachers and students that develops meaningful mathematics and produces life-long problem solvers.

The Project GRAD Mathematics philosophy of mathematics learning and teaching is devoted to raising expectations about mathematics learning from low-level, rote computation and routine use of formulas to higher order understanding and application of concepts at all grade levels.

Project GRAD Mathematics consists of four, overlapping areas.

• Curriculum Alignment and Teaching Plans
• Professional Development
• Resources
• Support

Curriculum Alignment and Teaching Plans

Project GRAD Mathematics is organized around the five content and process standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The alignment of instructional activities to Knox County School’s math curriculum and Tennessee standards is a critical element of Project GRAD Mathematics. Customized teaching plans are developed for each grade level. The teaching plan frameworks provide teachers with daily warm-ups, rigorous problem solving, focus lessons, and differentiated instruction activities.

Professional Development

It is the aim of Project GRAD Mathematics to provide teachers with the tools, professional development and support necessary for transforming their classrooms into environments characterized by students’ engagement in mathematical reasoning, non routine problem solving and mathematical communication.

Project GRAD Mathematics teachers engage in an initial, four day training designed to familiarize them with the programmatic elements and resources available to them. They engage in instructional activities and work cooperatively with peers to deepen their content knowledge and tools to teach for understanding.

Project GRAD Mathematics teachers also receive job embedded, ongoing professional development. Topics are customized at the school level and designed to support school wide goals and needs as indicated from data.

Resources

A comprehensive Curriculum Library of mathematics resources is housed in each Project GRAD Knoxville school. A classroom kit of manipulatives and additional instructional resources is also available for use by teaches and students.

Support

Project GRAD Mathematics provides strong support for implementation. The support consists of both material and coaching resources. The Project GRAD Knoxville Math Coaches support teachers’ implementation of the program at the school site.