October 9, 1998

Professor aids schools

Professor Calzada’s involvement adds up to improved mathematical skills

This summer, Maria Calzada, Ph.D., Loyola associate professor of mathematics; Rosalyn Smith, a mathematics teacher at Alcee Fortier High School; and Leslie Dejan-Gaugis and Caroline Dubois, members of the Orleans Parish Mathematics Cadre, conducted two mathematics workshops called Project MEET (Mathematics Enhances Elementary Teachers). Project MEET was conceived by Smith, whose efforts are a part of a statewide campaign to improve the teaching of mathematics at the kindergarten to third grade level. The workshop served as a training camp for the teachers who would return to their respective schools and relay the new methods to all the K­3 math teachers.

Calzada asserts, “Many of Orleans Parish K-3 teachers have sketchy knowledge of the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) standards and do not feel capable of implementing them in their classrooms. Project MEET gives preference to K­3 teachers from the Orleans Parish Impact Schools, those identified as low performing.” According to a 1996 National Assessment Education Progress report, 56 percent of Louisiana fourth grade students scored below the basic achievement level. The workshop was designed to instill the teachers with the confidence and skills to establish a strong mathematics foundation in their students. Held in June and July, the two workshops were offered to 49 teachers who represented many of the elementary schools in Orleans Parish which scored below the national basic achievement level.

The workshop comprised of three components: a mathematical education research component, a problem solving component, and a classroom connections component; Calzada headed the problem solving component. In her workshop, she exposed the participants to a wide variety of problem solving techniques including making a drawing, using manipulatives, looking for patterns, solving an easier related problem, and working backwards. Calzada encouraged the teachers to work in groups and utilize their math communication skills in different situations, including in their portfolios, in front of the class, or talking to their peers.

Project MEET will conduct follow-up sessions, visit classrooms, assess the effects of the program on the classes, and evaluate the program’s success. Urban Systemic Initiatives Program (USI) in Orleans Parish has co-sponsored Project MEET in collaboration with Loyola.

–Angelique Narcisse, A’98, intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications