The Mathematics Institutes for middle school teachers focuses on three concepts that are central to middle grades mathematics and prominent in the GPS: ratio, rational numbers and proportional reasoning. These are the concepts most frequently cited as presenting problems for students as they move into more advanced mathematics. They are critical to success in algebra, geometry, trigonometry and probability. Middle Grades teachers who do not have a robust conceptual foundation in rational numbers are hard pressed to support the challenges their students bring into their classrooms.

The Middle School Mathematics Institute is designed to enable participants to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of ratio, rational number and proportional reasoning.
• Unpack the Georgia Performance Standards with regard to rational numbers and connect them to their grade-level instructional plans
• Learn strategies for helping students build their conceptual understanding of rational numbers.
• Plan lessons using their adopted math curriculum to address the GPS standards around rational numbers.