Level 3 PYP Workshop in San Juan, PR (IB Americas)

Level 3: This workshop is for teachers, coordinators and administrators who have at least one year of experience working at an authorized PYP school or have at least one year of experience working at a candidate PYP school during its candidacy phase. Practitioners with extensive experience in the PYP, through working at an authorized school, who are now working at a candidate school are also eligible to participate in Level 2 and 3 workshops.

In addition to the above requirements, participants must be able to meet criteria specific to the workshop as described below.

The Role of Mathematics in the PYP (formerly: Math in the PYP)

This workshop is suitable for administrators, coordinators and teachers interested in exploring the role of mathematics across the curriculum.

In this workshop participants will further develop their understanding of the following:

• Individual teachers’ beliefs about and experiences related to mathematics impact on the way they teach math
• Mathematics is a way of thinking, a language for making-meaning: the strands of data-handling, measurement, space and shape are best taught-learned in authentic meaning making contexts such as in units of inquiry
• Students construct their understanding of mathematics, through ever increasing levels of abstraction
• Effective math teaching-learning is achieved through the selective use of a broad range of strategies and tools to meet particular learning needs
• Learners need math tasks which cater for a broad range of mathematical understandings
• A wide range of resources, including manipulatives, supports the development of mathematical understanding
• Inquiry, reflection and collaboration are fundamental to the teaching and learning of mathematics
• How we teach-learn mathematics should be influenced by research
• Putting teachers in the situation of learners assist them in identifying conditions which can support or hinder student learning in general
• Assessment tools and strategies must address understanding of math concepts as well as skills and knowledge
• Changes in attitude and understanding of mathematics and of primary students’ learning of mathematics requires effective communication across the school community.

Participants are required to bring the following to the workshop (either download to their laptops or bring a hard copy):

• One copy of their school's Programme of Inquiry
• One copy of a unit planner that they have been involved in teaching or in developing
• One copy of their school's math scope and sequence documents or benchmarks and standards
• Copy of Making the PYP Happen

Location and Accommodation

The workshop will take place at the Caribe Hilton San Juan Hotel.  IB North America has arranged for special room rates for the workshop.  Please make your reservations by Saturday, 16 May 2009, and indicate you are with IB North America to receive the special rate. Rates are quoted in US funds and are exclusive of all taxes.  

Workshop Schedule Outline

Workshop check-in for participants will start at 3.00pm on Friday, 19 June 2009.  The level 1 workshop begins with a general session on Friday, 19 June at 5.00pm and concludes on Monday, 22 June at 12.00pm. IB North America will provide a breakfast, a beverage break, and a lunch on Saturday, 20 June 2009 and Sunday, 21 June 2009.  IB North America will provide a breakfast and a beverage break on Monday, 22 June 2009.  Please be aware that dinner is not included in the conference registration fee and will not be provided on any of the workshop dates.

International Travel

All non-citizens must present proof of citizenship to enter the United States or Canada.  An acceptable form of identification is a valid passport.

Ground Transportation 

The hotel is located approximately 25 minutes from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Taxicabs are available and the fare is approximately USD $25.00 one-way.  Rates subject to change.

Parking

The hotel offers self-parking for approximately USD $16.00 per car, per day plus applicable taxes.  Valet parking is approximately USD $21.40 per car, per day plus applicable taxes.  Rates subject to change.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that meeting room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely.  It is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket to all sessions.

Draft programme

For more information and to register for this workshop, please download the IB Primary Years Programme Catalog.

There will be no refunds for cancellations received after Tuesday, May 19, 2009.