See below for upcoming SABES PD events for Math & Numeracy. Or, check out the Math & Numeracy Upcoming Events Calendar tab anytime!

Note: you are welcome to request Math & Numeracy instructional coaching for program staff. If interested, please submit a Contact Us request.

All PD offerings are online and facilitated unless indicated otherwise.

Tuesday, September 3

Introduction to Teaching Skills That Matter (Self-Paced Modules)

This introduction to the Teaching Skills That Matter in Adult Education provides an overview of the TSTM instructional framework and the TSTM Toolkit. The introduction also provides materials and guidance to train teachers to incorporate the skills that matter into adult education programming by using instructional approaches that work across relevant topic focus areas that are connected to student needs. Using the TSTM project’s tools and training, adult education teachers can teach the transferable skills students need in these critical contexts. 

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)

Wednesday, September 4

CALM Introduction (Self-Paced Modules)

This course is designed for teachers who are using or want to use the Curriculum for Adults Learning Math (CALM). CALM was created by the SABES Mathematics and Numeracy Curriculum & Instruction PD center to give teachers a full, rich, conceptually-based curriculum. CALM teaches conceptual understanding of skills from roughly College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education (CCRSAE) levels B – E (GLE 3-12) and contains thorough unit plans, lesson plans, and supporting materials. Because CALM is different from traditional curricula, it is important to understand its structure and philosophy to be able to use it effectively. This course will introduce you to the logistical elements of CALM and its guiding principles.

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)

English Learners in the ABE Math Classroom (Self-Paced Modules)

Most adult education programs have English learners (ELs) in their adult basic education (ABE) courses. These ELs, like their native English-speaking classmates, are often working toward their HiSET or other education and career goals. This online course is designed help adult education instructors teach math to ELs more effectively and in a culturally respectful manner. The strategies and ideas presented in this course are also appropriate for adult ESOL instructors as well as ABE instructors who only have native English speakers in their classes.

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)

Tuesday, September 10

Will This Be on the Test? (Online Facilitated)

Standardized testing, whether it is for high school equivalency or measuring student gains, is a major concern in adult numeracy classes. It can be tempting to "teach to the test" in the hopes of getting students ready to get a passing score as quickly and painlessly as possible. However, making test preparation the main focus of instruction does not create lasting learning and often is not even effective in achieving passing scores or demonstrating gains. It is possible to teach conceptually and do explicit test preparation at the same time. When students get exposure to—and practice with—standardized test questions in a context that prioritizes conceptual understanding and flexible thinking, they will be more prepared to achieve test scores that fully reflect their skills and understandings.  

• Sept. 11, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Sept. 17, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 12

Professional Standards in Action: Supporting Math Instruction through Classroom Visits (Self-Paced Modules)

Many adult education program directors do not have a background in teaching math or in math learning theory. Without this perspective, it is natural to have different or unclear expectations of what an effective math class looks like. This course will prepare directors to conduct math classroom observations by discussing the characteristics of effective math instruction and what it looks like in practice.

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)

Monday, September 16

Using the Math Proficiency Guide to Become a More Effective Math Teacher (Self-Paced Modules)

The Mathematics Proficiency Guide for Teachers of Adult Education is one of several companion pieces to the MA Professional Standards for Teachers of Adult Education. The Math Proficiency Guide is designed to inform the practice of new, developing, and advanced instructors who teach math to adult learners.

This virtual course will provide participants with practical ways to learn from and implement the material in the Math Proficiency Guide to improve their own math instruction. The course is designed for both new and experienced adult education math instructors.

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)

Getting Started with Integrating Math in the ESOL Classroom (Online Blended)

Part of learning a new language is learning how to talk about math. Unfortunately, math has not traditionally been a regular part of adult ESOL instruction, and many ESOL teachers are not comfortable teaching it. This self-paced, online course and optional community of practice will encourage ESOL teachers to look for where, when, and how it makes sense to include math in lessons while continuing to focus on language acquisition and effective communication. 

• 9:00 a.m. (Self-paced course opens)
• The Community of Practice meeting date/time will be arranged by the course facilitators with participants after the course begins.

Thursday, September 18

Questioning for Formative Assessment in the Math Classroom (Online Blended)

Too often, teachers ask questions that have a single ‘right answer’. Whether or not a student gets these types of questions right or wrong, neither teacher nor classmates have learned much about the reasoning behind the student’s response. This seven-part course examines the following interconnected topics: creating a culture of classroom discourse for formative assessment, asking effective math questions to probe and further student thinking, providing wait / think time, and making the most of student mistakes. By using questioning strategies that promote dialogue and invite student explanations, teachers can formatively assess student understanding and adjust instruction accordingly.

• Sept. 18, 2024  | Pre-work
• Sept. 23, 2024  |  12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Sept. 30, 2024  |  12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Oct. 7, 2024      |  12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 19

Teaching Adult Learners with Language-Based Learning Disabilities: An Overview (Online Facilitated)

In this session, learn about common language-based learning disabilities (LBLD—difficulties related to the understanding and use of spoken and written language, such as dyslexia), and about specific strategies to support adult learners with LBLD. This session is the first in a series offered by the SABES ELA, ESOL, and Math Curriculum and Instruction teams on teaching adult learners with learning disabilities.

• Sept. 19, 2024  |  2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.