The Southern Initiative Algebra Project (SIAP) held an intensive, 1-week teacher institute, funded by a National Science Foundation DRK-12 grant, in New Orleans, LA. The purposes of this initial 2-week summer institute included introducing participants to the SIAP PK-16 Model; exploring issues students have in mathematics across the grade levels; engaging in experiential learning and the 5-step curricular process in the Stacking Game, in Height Chart Comparisons, in using Trip Lines for understanding Integers; and examining critical mathematics concepts across grade levels (e.g., understanding fractions; exploring polynomial calculus).

Teachers represented four New Orleans Public Schools—Benjamin Franklin (PK-8), Mary McLeod Bethune (PK-8), Mahalia Jackson (PK-8) and McDonogh 35 High School. The teachers in the institute taught grades 2-12. Additionally, a host of others participated in at least one day of the institute to better understand the SIAP PK-16 Model, specifically the professional development for educators component; this included Dr. Nia Haydel (Dillard University), Dr. Timothy Glaude (Xavier University), two representatives from the American Association for School Administrators, and others. SIAP facilitators were Jessie Cooper-Gibbs, Staffas Broussard, Bill Crombie (AP/SIAP), and Sharon L. Spencer. Dave Dennis, Raynard Sanders and Darryl Kilbert also worked with Site/Community Development in addition to logistics for the summer institute for teachers during this period.

Event Photos