Lessons That Count
Farmingdale Math Specialists Present at Annual Conference
Math Specialist Dina Carlucci, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Olsen, and fellow Math Specialist, Janice Puglisi presented a virtual demonstration at the 2020 Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS), Annual Mathematics Conference. This year’s conference was modified from its original in-person platform in Rochester and Syracuse to a virtual platform in order to maintain safe social distancing practices.
“I am overjoyed to showcase the exciting and meaningful mathematics instruction provided in the Farmingdale district through our Math Inquiry Lab,” said Dina Carlucci, Math Specialist and lead presenter. “The district is committed to cultivating an appreciation for the subject in all students Grades K-6.”
Last spring, the group composed a presentation proposal to the AMTNYS illustrating the different methods Math Specialists in Farmingdale provide to their respective schools. The title of their proposal was "Math Inquiry Lab: A Vehicle of Differentiated Instruction and Student Engagement Grades 3-5". The proposal was accepted and they were chosen to present at the conference to a community of mathematics educators and theorists.
The Math Inquiry Lab is operating throughout the district’s four elementary schools, Grades K-5, and in the Howitt Middle School for Grade 6. There are six Math Specialists in the elementary schools combined and one Math Specialist at the middle school. The director is Dr. Jennifer Olsen, who initiated the program, seeing a need for the students to engage in mathematical discovery. The feedback from students, teachers, and parents has been extremely positive.