The Mathematics Education Leadership Training (MELT) Program was established to provide support and professional development for K-12 mathematics teachers in North Carolina and the other states.
Summer 2024 Schedule
Each institute provides up to 3 continuing education credits (CEUs). See course descriptions for more details on credit and delivery modes. Registration is now open.
Institutes held on the Boone campus are in person Monday through Thursday in Walker Hall, with a limited number of synchronous online participants, unless otherwise noted.
Week 1: June 24-27
- Math 4
- Building Thinking Classrooms (6-12) - In-person only
- Using AI to Assist with Math Instruction and Assessment (6-12)
- **CLOSED** K-12 Mathematics Teaching to Emergent Bi/Multilingual Learners
Week 2: July 8-11
- Math 2/3
- Grades 6-8 Math Vertical Alignment, Pedagogy, and Assessment
- Using AI to Assist with Math Instruction and Assessment (K-5)
- Building Thinking Classrooms (K-5) - In-person only
Week 3: July 15-18
- Math 1
- **CLOSED** Desmos Computational Layer (Grades 9-12)
- Teaching and Learning with Math Manipulatives (Grades K-8)
- K-5 Math, Vertical Alignment, Pedagogy, and Assessment
- Teaching Math to Special Education Students (Grades K-12)
Credit
Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
Each institute provides a maximum of 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs), depending on the participant selection and the level of participation by each registrant.
Graduate Credit
Participants who wish to receive academic credit for graduate courses associated with the MELT institutes (2 credits per institute) must be enrolled as a graduate student at App State. In addition to attending the institute, participants will be required to complete several graded assignments under the supervision of the MELT Director.
If you have additional questions or need assistance with the process for academic credit, please contact Dr. Quinn Morris, Mathematics Graduate Program Co-Director, morrisqa@appstate.edu.
Contact
For more information regarding the MELT Program and MELT Institutes, contact
Michael J. Bossé, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education and MELT Program Director
melt@appstate.edu
Phone: (828) 262-2862
Registration
Early registration will open January 2005.
Participants are limited to one session per week. Registrations will be accepted until Institutes are filled.
Cost and Cancellation
25th Year Anniversary Celebration Fee: $25.00. per person per institue.
Tuition is non-refundable. Cancellations received in writing will receive credit for the MELT program in the following year.
The MELT Program reserves the right to cancel Institutes no less than three weeks before the first day of the Institute. If Institutes are cancelled, affected registrants will receive 100% reimbursement for their MELT Registration fees or be allowed to attend an alternate Institute.
Program History & Outcomes
Since MELT's inception, nearly 1,000 teachers and mathematics educators have attended summer workshops and earned either continuing education units or graduate credits, and more than 60 teachers have received funding to assist them in obtaining their Master's Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. Other benefits to participants and their students have been found to be invaluable.
Outcomes
Since 1998, MELT participants have reported the positive impact that involvement in MELT has had on them as professionals and on their students; among others, these include:
- Gaining an understanding of how to purposefully and appropriately use technology to help students learn mathematics more meaningfully;
- Becoming more excited and energized about teaching, in some cases providing the support necessary to remain in a teaching career;
- Students' improved test scores, including North Carolina End Of Course (EOC) exams (prior to the implementation of the CCSSM);
- Being provided financial support to complete a Master's Degree;
- Developing a network of professional colleagues; and
- Extending their reach as mathematics education professionals beyond their classroom, with MELT participants making presentations in their districts, in the region, at state conferences, and, in some cases to include presentations at national and international conferences.
History
The Mathematics Education Leadership Training (MELT) Program was established in 1998 through a grant from the Cain Foundation to provide support and professional development for high school mathematics teachers throughout North Carolina and the greater Appalachian region of the United States.
Over the years, support for the MELT Program has come from multiple sources:
- Gordon and Mary Cain Foundation
- The ASU Mathematics and Science Education Center
- The ASU Mathematical Sciences Department
- The ASU Hubbard Center for Faculty and Staff Support
- Teachers Teaching with Technology (T³)
- Texas Instruments, Inc.
- The University of North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network
- The Shodor Education Foundation
- The National Science Foundation
- The Mathematical Association of America
- Individual Philanthropic Donors
Accommodations & Activities
Hotels
Book your accommodation through hotels with special rates for institute participants.
- Holiday Inn Express $78.90/night
- Holiday Inn $99.00/night. Week 1 6/23-6/27 Code MWO Select your room (ihg.com)Week 2 07/7-07/11 Code MWT Select your room (ihg.com)Week 3 07/14-07/18 Code MWH Select your room (ihg.com)
- Hampton Inn & Suites $114.00/night
Things to do
Find activities, attractions and deals while you're in the High Country. There's something for everyone!
Course Descriptions
Institutes held on the Boone campus are in person Monday through Thursday in Walker Hall, with a limited number of synchronous online participants, unless otherwise noted.
All institutes held in Hickory are in person at the App State Hickory campus, 800 17th St. NW, Hickory, NC 28601.
Week 1: June 24-27, Boone campus
Math 4
3 CEUs, math or general
This Institute exemplifies the integrated and inquiry-based nature of the content in Math 4, with additional considerations of pedagogical best practices. Institute experiences include instruction and learning through: inquiry-based methods; mathematical modeling; using technology; assessment strategies; reasoning and problem solving; standards on mathematical content, teaching, learning, and practices; and investigating teacher and student beliefs. To shed light on the mathematics in these courses, some of the mathematical topics and approaches in this Institute transcend high school mathematics.
Building Thinking Classrooms (6-12) - In-person only
3 CEUs, math or general
Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a hub of critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement? In this institute, designed specifically for grades 6-12 math teachers, participants will explore research-based strategies and pedagogical approaches to cultivate a thinking-centered math classroom. Instruction and learning will include rich mathematical tasks, group discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. The institute will equip educators with the practical tools and techniques needed to create a learner-centered environment that nurtures critical thinking, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and enhances overall mathematical proficiency.
Using AI to Assist with Math Instruction and Assessment (6-12)
3 CEUs, math, digital literacy, or general
Transform your approach to secondary mathematics education and take back your personal time. This specialized institute dives deeply into integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to teach and learn grades 6-12 mathematics. This curated experience is designed to meet the diverse needs of middle and high school educators. Through interactive labs, thought-provoking panels, and real-world case studies, you will uncover strategies to make content development more efficient, differentiate instruction and assessment, streamline assessment workflows, dramatically cut grading hours, and elevate student performance. Seize this chance to harness AI to create a more dynamic, efficient, and rewarding educational environment for you and your students.
K-12 Mathematics Teaching to Emergent Bi/Multilingual Learners
3 CEUs, math or general
Language is a basic human right for those who live in and champion the values of a democratic society. Languages and cultures are strengths students bring to the mathematics classroom rather than liabilities. This institute explores theoretical literature and best practices for working with emergent English language learners in mathematics. Within this institute, participants will learn about teaching mathematics to bi/multilingual students learning English as an additional language who may also be immigrants or refugees. The institute is designed to help teachers understand the needs of emergent bilingual students, learn to use students' languages and cultures as a resource in mathematics classrooms, and implement research-based instructional strategies that are effective in teaching mathematics to these learners. The CEUs provided through this Institute are in math, general, or a combination CEUs, as needed by the participant.
Week 2: July 8-11, Boone campus
Math 2/3
3 CEUs, math or general
This Institute exemplifies the integrated and inquiry-based nature of the content in Math 2/3, with additional considerations of pedagogical best practices. Institute experiences include instruction and learning through: inquiry-based methods; mathematical modeling; using technology; assessment strategies; reasoning and problem solving; standards on mathematical content, teaching, learning, and practices; and investigating teacher and student beliefs. While participants can select to focus on Math 2 or Math 3, activities span both courses, and additional activities are provided for each specific course.) To shed light on the mathematics in these courses, some of the mathematical topics and approaches in this Institute transcend high school mathematics.
Grades 6-8 Math Vertical Alignment, Pedagogy, and Assessment
3 CEUs in math or general
This Institute focuses on the mathematics recognized in grades 6-8. The mathematics will be considered through the relevant content strands (number sense, properties, and operations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra and functions). Investigations will also consider the mathematical practices (problem solving and perseverance, abstract and quantitative reasoning, constructing and critiquing arguments, modeling with mathematics, strategically using appropriate tools, attending to precision, and finding and using structure).
Using AI to Assist with Math Instruction and Assessment (K-5)
3 CEUs, math, digital literacy, or general
Unlock the future of elementary mathematics education and reclaim hours of valuable time. This Institute will revolutionize your approach to teaching by using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This immersive experience is tailored for K-5 educators, focusing on AI tools and strategies to enhance foundational math skills. Through interactive labs, thought-provoking panels, and real-world case studies, you will uncover strategies to make content development more efficient, differentiate instruction and assessment, streamline assessment workflows, dramatically cut grading hours, and elevate student performance. Seize this chance to harness AI to create a more dynamic, efficient, and rewarding educational environment for you and your students. Don't miss this opportunity to become a trailblazer in leveraging AI for more efficient and effective teaching and learning.
Building Thinking Classrooms (K-5) - In-person only
3 CEUs, math or general
Are you ready to transform your math classroom into a hub of critical thinking, problem-solving, and active engagement? In this institute, designed specifically for grades K-5 math teachers, participants will explore research-based strategies and pedagogical approaches to cultivate a thinking-centered math classroom. Instruction and learning will include rich mathematical tasks, group discussions, and collaborative planning sessions. The institute will equip educators with the practical tools and techniques needed to create a learner-centered environment that nurtures critical thinking, fosters collaborative problem-solving, and enhances overall mathematical proficiency.
Week 2: July 8-11, Hickory campus
K-5 Math, Vertical Alignment, Pedagogy, and Assessment
3 CEUs, math or general
This Institute focuses on the mathematics recognized in grades K-5. The mathematics will be considered through the relevant content strands (number sense, properties, and operations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra and functions). Investigations will also consider the mathematical practices (problem solving and perseverance, abstract and quantitative reasoning, constructing and critiquing arguments, modeling with mathematics, strategically using appropriate tools, attending to precision, and finding and using structure).
STEM (6-12)
3 CEUs, math, science, or general
Whether STEM, STEAM, or STREAM, the field continues to evolve with wonderful and engaging activities that investigate and demonstrate beautiful content and connections accessible by grades 6-12 teachers and students. STEM allows for the subject-integrated investigation of real-world phenomena or problem scenarios that open students' perspectives to what can be discovered, learned, and applied in their lives. This Institute will consider the teaching and learning of STEM through engaging, scalable, and differentiable activities.
Week 3: July 15-18, Boone campus
Math 1
3 CEUs, math or general
This Institute exemplifies the integrated and inquiry-based nature of the content in Math 1, with additional considerations of pedagogical best practices. Institute experiences include instruction and learning through: inquiry-based methods; mathematical modeling; using technology; assessment strategies; reasoning and problem solving; standards on mathematical content, teaching, learning, and practices; and investigating teacher and student beliefs. To shed light on the mathematics in these courses, some of the mathematical topics and approaches in this Institute transcend high school mathematics.
Desmos Computational Layer (Grades 9-12)
3 CEUs, math, digital literacy, or general
Many teachers are aware of building simple apps in Desmos. However, many now wish to go deeper into Demos' programming and investigate the Computational Layer. By editing the computational layer, existing Desmos apps can be more targeted to students' needs, and Desmos apps can be modified to address teacher-selected concepts. This institute investigates the Desmos computational layer through many mathematical topics. Note, this Institute is not recommended for beginner Desmos users. Participants in this Institute should have some comfort with classroom uses of Desmos from both the teacher and learner perspectives. The CEUs provided through this Institute are in math, digital learning, general, or a combination, as needed by the participant.
Teaching and Learning with Math Manipulatives (Grades K-8)
3 CEUs, math or general
Both physical and virtual manipulatives for the teaching and learning of math are ubiquitous. Unfortunately, many teachers still need training on proper teaching (pedagogical) and learning (epistemological) through manipulatives. Additionally, only some have had the opportunity to investigate the differences affecting teaching and learning concerning physical versus virtual manipulatives. This Institute dives deeply into manipulatives commonly seen in grades K-8 math classrooms and some less frequently seen. We will investigate teaching and learning through math manipulatives and the representational determinism of each manipulative. Investigations will also consider the mathematical practices commonly recognized in North Carolina standards (problem solving and perseverance, abstract and quantitative reasoning, constructing and critiquing arguments, modeling with mathematics, strategically using appropriate tools, attending to precision, and finding and using structure). The CEUs
provided through this Institute are in math, general, or a combination of both, as is needed by the participant.
K-5 Math, Vertical Alignment, Pedagogy, and Assessment
3 CEUs, math or general
This Institute focuses on the mathematics recognized in grades K-5. The mathematics will be considered through the relevant content strands (number sense, properties, and operations; measurement; geometry and spatial sense; data analysis, statistics, and probability; and algebra and functions). Investigations will also consider the mathematical practices (problem solving and perseverance, abstract and quantitative reasoning, constructing and critiquing arguments, modeling with mathematics, strategically using appropriate tools, attending to precision, and finding and using structure).
Teaching Math to Special Education Students (Grades K-12)
3 CEUs, math or general
Mathematics teachers of students with learning disabilities need support regarding content, pedagogy, and learning associated with this population of students. This Institute covers common scenarios among special education and learning disabled students who struggle to learn math. This Institute navigates the relationship between cognitive function and acquiring mathematical understanding and skills. In addition, participants analyze common mathematical errors made by students with math disabilities regarding numerous mathematics domains and topics as defined by research focusing on where students with disabilities most frequently struggle. Participants also examine components of research-based interventions at the Tier 2 and Tier 3 level of an MTSS framework. The CEUs provided through this Institute are in math, general or special education, or in a combination of these as the participant needs.