I and I

Inspirations & Ideas

8th Grade Support Class

Course Design

Inspirations & Ideas is designed to support students in CPM’s Core Connections, Course 3 who sometimes struggle with mathematics. The expectation is that students in Inspirations & Ideas will be concurrently enrolled in Core Connections, Course 3, and therefore will have two math classes daily. Ideally, Inspirations & Ideas is a non-graded course, with no homework, and no summative assessments.

Course Structure

Inspirations & Ideas is a compilation of lessons, arranged appropriately in units, that convey multiple objectives. Although each unit may not fully address a single objective, as a compilation the objectives are met. The course does not attempt to address every content standard in the 8th grade curriculum. Rather the math content in the course is used as a vehicle to change students’ beliefs and attitudes about math. Inspirations & Ideas focuses on the following themes:

Incorrect ideas are often necessary to develop correct ideas.

Honoring mistakes
Trial and error/Guess and Check

Mathematics is visual.

Multiple representations
Patterns

Effective communication in mathematics should be practiced.

Giving and receiving effective math feedback
Justifying mathematics verbally and in writing

Problem solving strategies make problems accessible.

Working backwards
Making the problem smaller
Organize information

Building relationships is vital to a positive classroom environment.

Individual progress checks with the teacher
Student reflection journals
Goal setting

Students can re-engage with mathematics in new ways.

Ratio
Proportion
Equivalence
Solving
Numeracy
Patterns
Graphing
Fractions
Exponents

Professional Learning Requirement

New teachers of Inspirations & Ideas must attend the virtual professional learning event. Teachers will need to successfully complete the learning in order to use the curriculum. View Event dates and locations.

Sample Lessons

Testimonials

Julie H. WI

I love doing the progress checks with my group!!! It makes me take a step back from groups and lets me observe what is happening and most important gives me the opportunity to check in with my kids. When I asked them, “What is something that is going well for them?” All of them said, “Math this year!” It was so nice hearing this student after student!

John H. (CPM Coach) WI

I think one of the most striking changes I have seen with the use of the CPM intervention course is the teacher’s awareness of engagement, mindset, and student motivation in their non-intervention classrooms. They are now actively thinking about what actions to take with a student that is suffering from Math apathy, rather than just chalking it up to the new societal norms and moving on.

Inspirations & Ideas Student WI

My favorite thing about this math class is doing the activities because I am more of a hands on learner and I learn more when I do activities that involve me working with stuff and my grades have improved ever since we have done this course.

Inspirations & Ideas Student WI

This class helps with my regular math class, and I went up on my school’s benchmarks, and I feel more confident in my math class.

Stefanie B. MN

This is usually my favorite part of my day! Maybe because it is all new and a challenge for me but I always look forward to seeing where we are headed and the growth my students are making.

Jonathan H. MN

I want to integrate a lot of this into my regular courses. Most of the lessons are highly engaging and it is really fun to watch students excel when typically they don't.

Emily T. MN

I really enjoy teaching this class and seeing the accomplishments of my students. I can see the confidence growing in each of them and it is really exciting!

Jamie B. WI

I love teaching a math intervention group of students using a curriculum that is high interest and high engagement. All the other programs out on the market are low engagement and low level questions.

Angela K. WI

I am seeing a change in the mindset of students whose past teachers have said, “You can try but they just will not put forth any effort.” These students are the ones saying things like, “Well, I was thinking…” and I rarely hear “I can't” anymore!