Math SPIN Annual Report for 2001
In 2001, the Math SPIN had a membership of approximately 300. In March, about 50 members attended the annual meeting in Louisville. The primary focus of the meeting was planning future SPIN activities, followed by open discussion of various topics related to teaching developmental mathematics. Decisions were made to host a Panel Discussion at the upcoming NADE 2002 Conference and to provide continued opportunity for members to make “poster” presentations of their math-related activities at the next year’s SPIN meeting. In September, the proposal for the Panel Discussion was accepted by the NADE 2002 Conference Committee. A survey was conducted to determine the topic(s) of discussion and panelists. Two topics – Placement Policies and Tracking Students – were selected, and five panelists were chosen by nomination from within the membershipOther SPIN activities included the continued publication of newsletters, use of the SPIN listserv, and updating of the SPIN web site. The SPIN currently publishes three newsletters per year in the fall, winter, and spring. For the second year, the spring issue has carried summaries of NADE conference presentations in math. Twenty summaries were printed in the spring issue following the NADE 2001 Conference. The listserv continues to be used actively by the SPIN membership to post announcements, share information, and discuss issues of common interest. It serves as a useful medium for promoting interaction between members throughout the year. Roberta Lacefield has done an excellent job of managing this resource. The web site also provides an excellent source of information on developmental math education. It contains information about the SPIN, past issues of SPIN newsletters, and links to many sites related to developmental math. Non-members, as well as members, have used the site and found it to be a valuable resource. Daryl Stephens has done a great job of keeping the site updated and of establishing new links.
Finally, the SPIN has decided to use its special project funds (donated by a SPIN member) to produce a booklet on “Best Practices in Developmental Mathematics.” The booklet is intended to outline various aspects of developmental math education -- including placement, teaching strategies, assessment, support services, learning disability considerations, and program structure – as a source of information for new professionals in the field. Submissions are currently being collected. It is expected that the booklet will be assembled following the NADE 2002 Conference.