Module Map

T-MATH is a free teacher professional development portal for transitional math, designed to support teachers as they prepare high school students for college and careers outside the classroom. This portal was developed by Northern Illinois University in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education. 

Currently, the portal contains the following modules:  

  • Introduction to Transitional Math 
  • Task-Based Instruction 
  • Classroom Discourse
  • Facilitating Student Learning
  • Assessing Task-Based Instruction
  • Introduction to Transitional Math Resources

Future modules include:

  • A Deeper Dive: Quantitative Literacy 
  • A Deeper Dive: Technical Math 
  • A Deeper Dive: STEM


Badges earned on T-MATH signify that the recipient understands the principles of Transitional Math, as well as their applicability to today’s high school seniors. Classroom teachers, administrators, advisers, specialists, and other educators can all benefit from T-MATH instruction!

 

T-MATH Modules

Introduction to Transitional Math

Teacher participants will understand the foundational beliefs, legislative requirements, procedures, and current work/collaborations related to transitional mathematics.


Task-Based Instruction

Teacher participants will understand the why and the how of task-based instruction through investigation of the research and resources/strategies to increase the cognitive load of students in the classroom. 


Classroom Discourse

Teacher participants will understand the role of discourse and collaboration in the transitional math classroom through

  • An investigation into the research
  • Connections to essential employability skills and process competencies
  • Strategies and tool kits to increase engagement


Facilitating Student Learning

Teacher participants will understand the role of the teacher in the transitional math classroom through 

  • An investigation into the research 
  • Connections to essential employability skills and process competencies 
  • Connections to Danielson Framework 
  • Strategies & tools to act as facilitator of learning 


Assessing Task-Based Instruction

Teacher participants will understand the role of the TM competency/performance level rubrics in standards-based grading and reporting. Teachers will engage in activities in this module to evaluate tasks for rigor; explore multiple entry points for learning; link evidence of learning to performance levels; and provide essential feedback to student and stakeholders related to student growth in relation to competencies & key performance indicators. The topics of interventions and differentiation will also be explored.


Introduction to Transitional Math Resources:

Teacher participants will explore Transitional Math development process and resources that have been developed by the state work groups, including:

  • Competency/Performance Level Rubrics
  • Scope & Sequence Documents
  • Unit Maps
  • Tasks
  • Task Templates


A Deeper Dive: STEM (Upcoming)

Teacher participants will take a closer look at the STEM pathway. This module will feature an in-depth look at the competencies and key performance indicators; an explanation of STEM audience (who is taking the class and where will this place them); an overview of STEM resources; highlights of STEM tasks; and a look at STEM competencies in the real world. Students in this pathway require advanced algebraic skills or are calculus bound.  The STEM pathway is for students whose career goals are in the Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics fields. Students will focus on a traditional math pathway to gain skills needed to succeed in algebra-heavy coursework.  This pathway may also include business majors.


A Deeper Dive: Quantitative Literacy (Upcoming)

Teacher participants will take a closer look at the QL pathway. This module will feature an in-depth look at the competencies and key performance indicators; an explanation of QL audience (who is taking the class and where will this place them); an overview of QL resources; highlights of technical math tasks; and a look at QL competencies in the real world. The QL pathway is for students whose career goals are outside of STEM or technical fields.  These students will focus on statistics, data analysis, problem solving, and quantitative literacy.  Students will understand the meaning behind the math and be able to explain it.

 

A Deeper Dive: Technical Math (Upcoming)

Teacher participants will take a closer look at the Technical Math pathway. This module will feature an in-depth look at the competencies and key performance indicators; an explanation of technical math audience (who is taking the class and where will this place them); an overview of technical math resources; highlights of technical math tasks; and a look at technical math in the real world. The Technical Math pathway is for students whose career goals are in the technical fields.  These students do not require calculus, advanced algebra, or advanced statistics.  Students will see the application to their specific career goal.