Welcome!

Welcome to our Math Professional Learning Communities!

Message from Scott Van Beck, Regional Superintendent





Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are state-of-the-art vehicles for building both vertical and horizontal math content expertise. PLCs allow us to use the data generated by our students to more effectively assess, differentiate, learn, and modify methods to improve our results.

At the Reliant Leadership Institute this summer, Superintendent Dr. Abe Saavedra made clear that Professional Learning Communities (PLCS) were now policy for all Houston ISD campuses.

A comprehensive math PLC revolves around building and updating our mastery of math skills, concepts, problem solving and assessment practices across the TEKS—to benefit students, parents, teachers and administrators. Our Math PLCs will offer a wide range of math content resources and trainings to meet the differing needs of your classrooms.

Our PLC also vertically presents the Big Math Ideas underlying all secondary math TEKS for Grades 6-12 and then links these ideas to actual TEKS and TAKS items.

PLC training components will examine: 1) the growth of a given math strand across several grades; 2) effective use of manipulatives for conceptual understanding; 3) alternative methods for teaching computation and algebraic thinking; 4) building a reservoir of ESL-scaffolded math strategies; 5) using hand-held and newer technologies to enhance math mastery and communication; and 6) building greater access to math enrichment through U.I.L. and/or Math Olympiad networks--in ways that reinforce our district-wide commitment to a college-bound culture.

I will work with each of you to develop PLC meetings and trainings that are data-driven, TEKS-aligned, timely, meaningful, productive, and tailored to meet both your individual needs as professionals and our team goals.