The Foundation recognizes that TPES is so fortunate to have Mr. Solo's dedication to excellence! It isn't always about spending money; it is ALWAYS about implementing the RIGHT programs! The Foundation funds Math Enhancement, lead by Brian Tash, a former San Diego Unified School District instructor and expert in mathematical process and critical thinking. Brian is working with TPES teachers in and out of the classroom in augmenting the delivery of the San Diego Unified Math curriculum, creating true mathematical reasoning and understanding among TPES students. See what our teachers have to say about the techniques they have been learning this year!
LETS HEAR FROM OUR TEACHERS!
"Brian's math program has made ALL of my students become involved at all times during math. His Structured Math Talk has enabled me to reach all of my students all of the time. This
lesson is set up so that students work alone, then in pairs, and finally as a whole group. We
use multiple representations during SMT so each student can explain their thinking any way
that works for them. When they share their answers, it clears up any issues that might still
be confusing to others in the class. By making my own homework 2-3 times weekly, it allows
me to give more challenging problems that are not boring or repetitive. The way I question my students is more open-ended and is very similar to the questions I use in Literacy."
Mr. Kent (3rd Grade)
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"Mr. Tash has been an invaluable resource for TPES teachers. His contributions to our team include a good understanding of student's mathematical reasoning-where they are developmentally and how they need to advance their thinking. Additionally, he is skilled at demonstrating creative approaches for teaching math concepts in ways that really engage students.
His talent lies in his ability to communicate with teachers to help us better understand the concepts we are teaching and how children learn them. By working with teachers individually and in small groups, he has helped us to focus on the 'big ideas' of different math topics and how our students are thinking about them. This allows us to design our lessons to the specific needs and abilities of our individual classroom. "
The Second Grade Team
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"As teachers, we know the content standards we need to address in mathematics.
The process standards of problem-solving and decision making, reasoning and proof, communication, connections and representations are more difficult to address in meaningful ways. The teacher's manual shows us skills that are to be practiced and drilled until they
are mastered. Brian Tash has helped us develop meaningful tasks that require the use of the process standards.
When students just follow a procedure to get to the right answer, they often have a limited understanding of the mathematical concepts involved. We want students to be confident in their ability to make sense of the math they are doing. In our First Grade collaborative meetings and Wednesday prep times Brian has helped us develop lessons that have changed how we teach math. He has modeled or co-taught "number talks" in our classrooms and we are incorporating them into our math routines. This allows us to get a much better understanding of how our students are using and applying mathematical concepts. With this knowledge Brian has helped us develop lessons that address the unique needs and abilities of TPES students."
Our ultimate goal is to have students with positive attitudes and habits of mind so that they not only have a strong foundation in math but they are also eager to learn new mathematical concepts and solve problems.
The First Grade Team
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This program, which is funded by the Foundation, is a perfect example of how the Foundation works closely with the school to enrich and enhance learning at Torrey Pines. All TPES teachers are familiar with the Math Enrichment Program and are able to incorporate it into their teaching.
