Thomas Harrington's Page

Hi Tom - So, let's think about a few ideas on our math program:

1- what might be some good, realistic goals for our elem & ms math programs to have, especially in the first year, and then into a second year? And of course, what would be our overall aim/vision for the math program to be so we are up to speed with national & state standards?

2- what if the MS and elem are unable to come to terms? well, maybe we save this for another discussion...

3- as far as other school evaluations, my thoughts are both beginning of the year and end of the year tests, those are the obvious choices, but I'm thinking these should be for computation and problem solving skills. What about portfolio work/other assessments? What other thoughts do you have too?

how's your iPhone service around the greater metro-Indian River area? How about toward Topinabee or around the ISD? Does your data plan work out anywhere you have service? Does the iPhone find local hotspots or wireless networks automatically (like at school, at home, etc.)

I'm on the last step in picking up my own iPhone, perhaps even this week.

Thanks so much - I haven't ruled out the data plan yet, but of course, it costs more $$ that I don't currently have my hands on.

On the subject of math, I'm putting together a philsophy of teaching mathematics (from a leadership perspective). I've been going through what I know, combined with ideas from Glasser's Quality Teacher (he differentiates math into computation and problem solving) while NCTM mentions number concepts, algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics. There is just so much out there and so much seems open to personal interpretation that I'm looking for guidance on how to proceed with a vision for middle school math.

Frank

Hi Tom - a few questions actually...

First thread - how do you like your iPhone? Do you get good service in the greater metropolitan Alanson/Indian River area? How about abroad? Do you also have the data plan? Can I get an iPhone without a data plan if I wish? I've been instructed to spend my Wal-Mart money by March 1, and I'm thinking of an iPhone so I can use it at school on the wireless network and as a phone elsewhere. I have wireless at home and don't necessarily need the data plan on my travels abroad. Depending upon the costs, I might be able to also pick up an iTouch (or a couple) for the staff...

your thoughts?

Thread 2: If I am to have a good shot at becoming the new principal around these parts, I need to be brought up to speed on math (obviously a pretty big issue around here that needs to be addressed). Specifically, how can we begin to shape our math program here to meet the goals of MCTM and NCTM? From an outside perspective, what ideas might you have (concerning what we at ILMS are doing/not doing) to share with a new principal candidate so that I can develop a philosophy of mathematics in the middle school grades?

I guess that's a start - perhaps we can dialogue a bit over the next few weeks if you have the spare time.

Frank