Open Dialog on What to Teach in the GED Classroom (Math Edition)Presented by:Cheyenne Tuller, Londer Learning CenterPortland, Oregon

Presentation Objective

• To facilitate a discussion about what works in the GED math classroom

• To provide participants with a scope and sequence that we have found to be effective in accelerating passage of the GED math test

• To share our resources

1. The Old Math Curriculum2. A Bet Between Two Teachers3. The New Math Curriculum4. Resources

What’s Happening Today

A Bet Between Two Teachers

Cheyenne: “A student can’t pass the GED math test without knowing equation of a line!”

A.J.: “Wanna bet? Let’s find out!”

What’s Actually on the Test?

Nuts and BoltsBefore we show you our old and new curriculum, here is a preview of our program:-this curriculum we’re proposing is for fast-track students (students who have basic math knowledge and solid math intuition)

-we identify fast-track with a basic math evaluation given to new students-this curriculum works for direct instruction, tutoring, homework, or lab environment-this curriculum is not for low-level learners (we have a separate pre-GED curriculum for them)

The Old Curriculum

The New Curriculum

In small groups answer the following questions:

1.Why do you teach what you teach (math)? Because that’s what the dept. chair says? The curriculum committee? GED Testing Service? Steck-Vaughn’s table of contents?2.If you could teach the math skills you thought most important, what would they be? 3.If you could skip any math skills you wanted, what would they be?4.What are the main differences between Londer’s old and new curriculum?

Which Track? Our Assessment

In your packet, please find our assessment tool. We call it a “start up” to ease student anxiety.

What We Cut

1. Memorizing times tables2. Long division3. Any math without a calculator4. Fractions as a concept (just via

calculator)5. Percent of change6. Combinations/permutations7. Patterns/functions8. Writing algebraic expressions9. Linear equations10. Factoring11. Quadratic equations12. Composite solids

The New Curriculum by Skill

In your packet, please find our list of GED skills.

We use these as extra practice packets for both tracks.

In small groups answer the following questions:

1.So does this curriculum answer the question: “What’s the fastest way to pass the test?”2.Do these items give students what they need to pass the test?3.If you wanted to implement any of these ideas, what obstacles would you face and how might you overcome them?

Who Won the Bet?

Since we’ve implemented the new scope and sequence (ie. eliminated equation of a line, etc.), we’ve had many students finish the test more quickly and with less anxiety.

Shared Resources

To access our resources, please make sure to include your email address in the sign up sheet. I will email everyone a link to a Google Shared Folder after the conference.