2011 INAT Summer Institute:
June 6-16 at Lee University
INAT (Improving Numeracy and Algebraic
Thinking) began in 2007 as a joint project by Lee University, Edvantia (a
regional educational research organization), and 7 school systems in East
Tennessee. The goal of INAT is to improve math instruction in the
middle grades by training teachers in the Prelude to Algebra approach to
pre-algebra. The project involves an intensive 2-week summer institute and
follow-up professional development session with the participating teachers
the following year.
The first INAT summer institute was held at Lee University for 20 area pre-algebra teachers in June, 2007. The following summer two institutes were held: one at Lee University and one at Sequatchie County High School.
During the institutes, Prelude author Dr. Steven Lay gives detailed explanations of the Prelude approach to pre-algebra including multimedia presentations and hands-on activities. The instructional materials he uses are made available to the teachers for use in their own classes. After building their confidence by working numerous examples, the participants are given the opportunity to practice teaching the new concepts to each other in pairs. In addition, Mrs. Joy Runyan from Edvantia provides professional development instruction in support of the Prelude curriculum. Best practices in instruction are modeled during the institute and the participants are guided in developing lesson plans that incorporate the new approach. The institute staff also includes three master teachers from previous institutes who have used the Prelude material in their classes. They provide encouragement to the new cohort of teachers and practical tips on implementation.
Originally funding for the INAT Institutes at Lee University came from a Math Science Partnership grant from the Tennessee Department of Education. Additional funding from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission provided for the institute held at Sequatchie County High School in 2008.
If you are interested in participating in an
INAT institute, or if you are a middle school or high school teacher or
administrator and are interested in having an INAT summer institute at your
school, contact INAT@preludetoalgebra.com.