MORGANTOWN, West Virginia. — University High School in Morgantown will host the Mathematics Revised Standards Rollout at the INVEST (Infuse, Network, Value, Engage, Support, Target) conference from Monday, July 22 through Wednesday, July 24.

Tim Flatley, academic support coordinator, said about 150 teachers from across the state will have two days to discuss the updated standards and become familiar with effective strategies for teaching them.

“We have revised the math standards that go into effect on July 1, 2024, and we are immersing math teachers across West Virginia in these revised standards,” Flatley said.

The new West Virginia College and Career Readiness Standards for Mathematics are based on “habits of mind” and specify what students should know and understand. The new standards are detailed in West Virginia Board Policy 2520.2B.

“They’re going to talk about the standards, analyze the standards and learn how other teachers in West Virginia are teaching the standards so students are successful,” Flatley said.

This conference allows teachers to align their thinking with the new standards and familiarize themselves with ways to teach them. By incorporating these new ideas into their thinking processes, these teachers learn the basics of effective teaching and helping struggling students.

“They’re working on developing their mindset and their toolbox,” Flatley said. “That toolkit for teachers that they have access to every day, we’re building it up and adding strategies so that they can engage all the students in their classrooms.”

Flatley said the 150 teachers at the event will also have a chance to develop a network of professional support they can return to as the school year progresses and challenges arise. All of the sessions will be held at University High School, except for one training block on Tuesday that will be held at the Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown.

“Now you’re connecting with another sixth-grade math teacher who works in another county,” Flatley said. “You can bond and communicate, try to learn from each other and reach out if you need support or help.”

This is the first scheduled session. More will follow throughout the school year.

“This is ongoing work and we will continue to do this,” Flatley said. “To help and support teachers in learning about those research-based best practices and applying them in the classroom. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that students are successful and that students are learning in every setting.”