Writing in Math: Guiding Your Students in Answering Open Ended Items on PSSA Mathematics and Keystone Algebra I

This session is centered on how the systematic incorporation of writing into math classes can improve comprehension, increase student engagement, and hopefully lead to increased scores on the constructed response items on the PSSA and Keystone Exams. Educators will develop a plan to incorporate writing into their Praxis.

Educators will be presented with various scenarios and develop potential questions related to the scenarios. These questions will span Depth of Knowledge levels 1, 2 and 3 – similar to the types of questions students encounter on the PSSA and Keystone Exams.

Educators will examine two grade level released constructed response items along with sample student responses. They will review the accompanying rubrics for each item and discuss scoring based upon the rubric and students’ responses. Educators will score student work and discuss their choice for the chosen score point.

Registration is limited to the first 15 teachers in each of these grade levels: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Algebra I.  To register, send an email to mclementi@pa.gov  with the grade level you teach. Megan will provide a registration key code which must be entered in the registration form on PaTTAN.  Act 48 hours, continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.