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Math outcome best improved with better
math teachers
By
Dr. Greta Loeber
Special to GwinnettForum
NORCROSS, GA., July 8, 2008 -- Research from the Nation Council
of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) reported in The New York Times
and the AJC states that college preparation must change for
elementary teachers.
Loeber |
Kate Walsh, president of NCTQ states, "We simply must begin
to appreciate the critical importance of elementary teachers gaining
the knowledge and skills they need to effectively teach mathematics.
It is what our children need in order to keep up with their peers
around the world - and what our country needs in order to produce
a skilled workforce that can compete in today's global economy."
Congratulations to the University of Georgia for being a shining
example in the report. We are fortunate in Gwinnett County to have
elementary teachers who are well prepared and those who are not
willing to rest on their laurels--continuously learning, which is
one of the best predictors of student achievement. There is great
learning happening this summer across Gwinnett in mathematics.
NCTQ's research reports that the
foundation for mathematics begins in the elementary school.
This does not sound like earth shattering research to the average
person, but it is a sentence filled with so much meaning and responsibility
for those of us teaching elementary mathematics. Professional training
is imperative---you cannot teach what you do not know and understand.
Barbara Schmich, former principal at Centerville Elementary School,
had a vision in 2004 to put Gwinnett County on the cutting edge
with the first Mathematics Institute and boost student achievement.
Actually for the six trainers who began teaching mathematics for
three hours a day to summer school students in kindergarten through
fifth grade, a more apt description might be the bleeding edge.
The depth of this task was unforeseen as lessons were taught and
modeled for teachers in six classrooms from various schools in the
county. The first endeavor for the math institute was indeed like
building an airplane as you fly it. Forty-one teachers were
learning alongside the struggling summer school students in kindergarten
through fifth grade. The results were serendipitous for both learners
and master trainers. The math institute has continued to grow from
a small group of six master teachers training 41 teachers to a session
in 2008 with approximately 60 master teachers training 380 teachers.
With the proper vision, leadership, and constant plea for professional
development funds, Gwinnett County is providing the professional
learning needed for student achievement. Yes, that is right; we
cannot raise student achievement unless teachers have the mathematical
content and understand how students learn mathematics deeply. It
must begin in the elementary grades, or students will fall behind
as the application of concepts grows more rigorous.
To learn deeply is active and reflective; time and money to continue
learning about mathematics and reflecting on teaching practices
is a constant struggle in elementary schools. The procedure/formula
is important, but learning is shallow without the conceptual knowledge.
Students must know why and how the formula works to apply it.
The model (that is, the airplane) has been built, reflection occurred,
tweaked, and finances in place for this year. The Math Institute
is flying again with only a few empty seats for teachers to participate
in each cluster. Learning through modeling is a powerful way to
improve teaching and learning, and the learning continues for all---master
teachers, teacher learners, and students---at Gwinnett County's
Fifth Mathematics Institute.
Nearby state parks offer great attractions
for getaways
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
JULY 8, 2008 -- Consider vacationing or an outing closer to home
this year, and consider one of Georgia's outdoor attractions, such
as state parks and similar attractions. Just look at a short list
of great places (and favorites of ours) to visit around Georgia
Brack |
First, Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth in the extreme
north. There are two things to take away when you visit Fort Mountain.
First, get the story of the stone wall at the place. We'll say no
more. Then learn of the wandering Portuguese sailor who may have
been here ages before Columbus!
2. Visit the site of the first trans-Atlantic telephone call,
made from Jekyll Island, Ga. Stay in the elegant and nicely-restored
Millionaire's Village, and learn how the super-wealthy once lived.
Remember: the nearby beach for romping.
3. Georgia's highest point is at Brasstown Bald, between
Hiawassee and Helen, at 4,784 feet. That's so high that the top
of the mountain has a similar weather as people living in Massachusetts.
The Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest site is open from Memorial
Day until October each day, and on weekends during warmer weather.
Pay the small fee to ride to the top, unless you want to emerge
exhausted at the summit after a steep half mile climb.
4. At the opposite end of the state is Laura Walker State
Park, near Waycross, which literally is the land of the "trembling
earth." It's the gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, truly a
beautiful natural wonder great to visit at any time of the year.
See its rebirth after the devastating fires from a couple of years
ago.
5. Franklin Delano Roosevelt State Park, near Warm Springs
and Pine Mountain, has its own natural beauty, the first "mountains"
(hills) Floridians see coming north. Be sure to visit the nearby
"Little White House" of our former president at Warm
Springs, with its remodeled museum.
6. The oldest state park in the nation is at Indian Springs,
just south of Jackson, acquired by the State in 1825. It's only
about 1.5 hours from Gwinnett, a great place to go for a day's
picnic in a tranquil setting.
7. Providence Canyon, well south of Columbus and seven
miles west of Lumpkin, is also known as Georgia's "Little
Grand Canyon." It's a great place to teach children about
the problems caused by erosion, showing before their eyes what
can happen when soil washes away. The natural colors of the soil
are beautiful at this site.
8. Georgia Veteran's State Park, on Lake Blackshear near
Cordele, now features a remodeled 78 room lodge at its conference
center. The SAM Shortline Excursion Train travels through the
park on its way from Cordele to Plains, with President Jimmy Carter's
boyhood home nearby.
9. Dahlonega's Gold Museum Historic Site is about an hour
north of Gwinnett. This is where the nation's first gold rush
took place in the 1820s. A branch U.S. mint was once located in
Dahlonega! And you can even take the children to pan for gold
nearby!
10. Tallulah Gorge State Park is the site of the most
spectacular canyon in the eastern United States, some two miles
long and 1,000 feet deep. There's a lot of history associated
with this area, and good interpretations of how the Gorge developed.
* * * * *
Of course, these 10 spots are only the beginning of great attractions,
many of them free, all across our state. Altogether, there are 64
state parks and historic sites, plus many sites run by the National
Forest Service. For more information on state parks, visit www.gastateparks.org.
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or call 770-449-6515.
Crows
and applauds recent Supreme Court gun decision
Editor, the Forum:
Thirty-two years ago today I took a vacation day to obtain my concealed
carry permit and throw away the old " one gun, one permit"
one. Just last week the Supreme Court interpreted the Second Amendment
to the Constitution to say that it is an individual right. Right
on!
Today the concealed carry permit law will be expanded from the
original of 1976 to allow 300,000 permit carrying Georgians the
ability to legally carry in additional places. In addition to us,
there are 18 other states whose permit holders we reciprocate to
carry in Georgia.
Is Armageddon here? I think it will be indefinitely postponed.
-- Howard N. Williams, Jr., Snellville
Dear Howard: Supreme Court decisions come in
two ways: those that please you, and those that don't. As much
as you are pleased on this one, that only means you should be
watching out for the next, I think you will agree. --eeb
Visit
Buford day expo coming July 12 at Environmental Center
Buford Business Alliance, the City of Buford and the Gwinnett Environmental
and Heritage Center announce the 1st "Visit Buford Day Expo"
scheduled for Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The activity
is at the Environmental and Heritage Center.
This family-oriented event will include Wayne's ECO Train rides,
rock climbing wall, moon walk, art activities, environmental demonstrations,
the Buford Majic basketball team and presentations of the Blue Planet.
The adults will have an opportunity to see many of Buford's businesses
and organizations, including food samplings from Buford area restaurants.
Merchants and artists will also have items for sale. However, for
this day only, there will be no admission charged by the Environmental
Center for this event. Parking is also free.
For more information on the Environmental Center go to: http://www.gwinnettcounty.com/cgi-bin/gwincty/envhc/Home.do.
The Buford Business Alliance is a non-profit organization that brings
together the citizens, city leaders, civic organizations and the
businesses of Buford in a communal spirit. The Alliance works together
through festivals, events, and other marketing opportunities to
promote business and tourism in Buford. For more information on
the Buford Business Alliance, go to: www.visitbuford.com.
Suwanee Day in September
accepting vendor applications
Be a part of the 25th celebration of Suwanee Day! Suwanee's annual
"Celebration of Community," which includes a parade, arts
and crafts exhibitors, children's activities, a 5K/10K race, and
all-day on-stage entertainment, will take place Saturday, September
20, at Town Center Park.
Applications for arts and craft exhibitors, parade participants,
runners who want to go all out in the BodyPlex Family Fitness Suwanee
Day 5K and 10K Classic, and festival volunteers are now available
at www.suwaneeday.com.
The first Suwanee Day was held in May, 1984 behind the current
fire station on Buford Highway. Over the years, the festival has
been held on Main Street in historic Old Town and, since 2004, at
Town Center Park. Last year, approximately 40,000 attended the one-day
festival.
"You wouldn't think that the festival could get any better,
but each year it does," said Kay and Wayne Davis of Suwanee
of the 2007 festival. "There's always something we haven't
seen before."
Biotech regulatory
affairs profession seminar set at college
Gwinnett Technical College will host a career introductory session
about the regulatory affairs profession, part of the biotechnology
sector, on-campus at the Busbee Center on July 17 from 8:30 a.m.-
3:30 p.m.
The agenda is geared toward Atlanta area college students, including
those at the post-doctoral level, and incubator-to-small company
professionals who are interested in learning more about careers
in the industry.
The program is presented by the Georgia Bioscience Technology Institute,
a collaboration between the Biotechnology program at Athens Technical
College and the Bioscience program at Gwinnett Technical College,
and the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society, the leading worldwide
member organization devoted to the health product regulatory profession.
Those in attendance will experience a unique networking opportunity
and will gain insights from seasoned veterans with regulatory affairs,
quality systems, clinical studies, laboratory and manufacturing
practice experience.
Those interested in the program may register online at www.raps.org/atlanta/introtora.
The registration fee is $10. Contact Dr. Philip Gibson at Gwinnett
Tech for more information, 678-226-6282.
Herrington Road Bridge
to be replaced, get sidewalks
Gwinnett County will replace a bridge, add sidewalks on both sides
and widen a stretch of Herrington Road to include a center turn
lane. The work zone west of Lawrenceville and south of Georgia Highway
316 will run from Old Norcross Road to Oakland Road.
Replacing the bridge over a Fork Creek tributary will require closing
the road for about six months. The county has included incentives
for earlier completion in the $4.8 million contract. Gary's Grading
and Pipeline, Inc., was the lowest of eight bids for the project.
Parkview Junior Mark
Frost becomes Eagle Scout
Frost |
Mark Frost, a junior at Parkview High School, was awarded the rank
of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor held June 21. He is a member
of Troop 519, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints in Lilburn.
Starting the scout program in March of 2003, Frost moved up, earning
26 merit badges and three additional awards: Arrow of Light, On
My Honor, and Duty to God. For his Eagle project, Frost built six
heavy-duty benches to be used in the outdoor activity area of the
Church.
Benches in outdoor activity area |
Mark is the son of Tom and Karen Frost. The Frost family has been
active in Scouting. His father was awarded his Eagle Scout in 1976
in Flagstaff, Ariz. and has continued to work with the Scouting
program. His older brother, Tanner, received his Eagle Scout in
the spring of 2006, in Lilburn. His younger brother, Jonathon, is
working towards his. Mark said, "My dad did so much for me
to help me get my Eagle Scout." He also commented, "Dads
go on campouts with us, but it is also important to notice the sacrifices
moms make for us".
Frost has continually shown leadership skills and never hesitates
to help at any time. He commented that it "feels good to know
I've gotten so far" and said he would like to help other boys
achieve their Eagle Scout.
Sugar Hill Legacy
Academy students visit city hall
As part of their summer camp program, the Legacy Academy is educating
their students about the community where they live. They are conducting
three to four field trips a week. The visit to Sugar Hill City Hall
brought 38 students to the City Hall. City Manager Bob Hail explained
what the functions of a city are, and the services the city provides
to the community. The inquisitive minds of the children bombarded
Mr. Hail with questions about the city, and zoning maps on display.
Their attendance was rewarded with Sugar Hill pins and bracelets.
In turn the Academy brought cookies (that the children baked) and
posters for the enjoyment of the City Hall staff. The Legacy Academy
is located in Sugar Hill at 4540 Nelson Brogdon Boulevard..
- An invitation: What
Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your
best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have
read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus
what book you plan to read next. --eeb
Sam Nunn
continues to be active after 24 years in U.S. Senate
Sam
Nunn represented Georgia for 24 years in the U.S. Senate, where
he distinguished himself by his passion for legislation concerning
public policy, foreign affairs, and citizen participation. He continues
to serve on many national organizations and boards that further
these interests.
Nunn |
Samuel Augustus Nunn was born in 1938, and reared in Perry. He
attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University,
and Emory Law School, where he graduated with honors in 1962. He
served on active duty with the U.S. Coast Guard and for six years
in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve before entering politics. Nunn began
his political career as a Democratic member of the Georgia General
Assembly in 1968.
Nunn ran for the U.S. Senate in 1972 and won. He was reelected
three times, serving continuously from 1972 to 1996. During his
long tenure there, Nunn was a member and chair of the Senate Armed
Services Committee and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He was a member of the intelligence and small business committees
and the Senate Select Committee on Secret Military Assistance to
Iran and the Nicaraguan Opposition (1987).
In 1985 Nunn, along with U.S. senators Lawton Chiles and Charles
Robb, and U.S. representative Richard Gephardt, formed the Democratic
Leadership Conference (DLC), the wing of the Democratic Party that
sought to maintain a moderate, middle-of-the-road stance on most
issues. Nunn believed that the swing vote in America would respond
well to the moderate message of the DLC, which is widely credited
with creating the "New Democrat" agenda on which Bill
Clinton was elected U.S. president in 1992.
Nunn recognized the critical need for engagement with Russia and
the former Soviet republics in the aftermath of the collapse of
the Soviet Union in 1989. The landmark Nunn-Lugar Act (1991), which
he drafted with Senator Richard Lugar, sought to provide incentives
to the former Soviet republics to dismantle their nuclear weapons
swiftly and safely. For their pathbreaking work both Nunn and Lugar
were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in the years 2000 and 2001.
In 2001 Nunn was given an award for his life's work by the Eisenhower
Institute on U.S.-Soviet relations.
In 1991 Nunn voted to oppose U.S. military action in the Persian
Gulf to oust Saddam Hussein from Kuwait. Many have speculated, and
Nunn himself has admitted, that the negative vote ensured the early
demise of his presidential candidacy in 1992. Before the vote Nunn
had been widely viewed as a viable Democratic candidate for president.
After the successful conclusion of the Persian Gulf War (1990-91),
however, Nunn found that his earlier stance in opposition was untenable
with the larger public and took himself out of consideration for
the presidential race.
Although he is no longer in public office, Nunn has continued to
underline the importance of cooperative global efforts to limit
the spread of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. He
is cochairman (with Ted Turner) and chief executive officer of the
Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a foundation created in 2001 to
reduce the threat to the world of nuclear and other weapons of mass
destruction. The NTI aims to bring greater accountability and transparency
into the process of arms control. Nunn has urged Americans to become
more involved in debating issues and policies designed to prevent
the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Nunn is a retired senior partner with the Atlanta law firm of King
and Spalding, and a distinguished professor in the Sam Nunn School
of International Affairs at Georgia Tech. In addition, he serves
on numerous boards of such publicly held corporations as the Coca-Cola
Company, Dell Computer Corporation, General Electric, and Scientific
Atlanta. Nunn and his wife, Colleen, have two children, Michelle
and Brian.
Whole world stands
on head for those who give 100%
"The average person puts only 25 percent of his energy and
ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who
put in more than 50 percent of their capacity, and stands on its
head for those few and far between souls who devote 100 percent."
-- Industrialist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), via Roy McCreary,
Dacula.
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett
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