Alabaster, AL — Thompson Intermediate School recently played host to English Learner (EL) administrators, coaches, and specialists from across Alabama for an intensive two-day training on the AIM4S3 framework. The event, led by dual language ESL Math teachers from New Mexico, focused on equipping educators with strategies to make math instruction comprehensible and accessible to all students, particularly those who are language learners.
Participants engaged in professional learning sessions that emphasized sheltered math content, with a specific focus on the AIM4S3™ Components and Key Instructional Principles. These sessions aimed to strengthen educators' pedagogical approaches to math instruction, ensuring that they are better prepared to support the diverse learning needs of their students.
A highlight of the training was the opportunity for participants to observe Lori Harris, a 4th-grade math teacher at Thompson Intermediate School, as she modeled strategies from the AIM4S3 Framework in her classroom. This hands-on observation provided valuable insights into how the framework can be effectively implemented in real-world classroom settings.
The three-session training was designed to foster the belief that everyone can succeed in math. It emphasized that all students can learn new math concepts, skills, and approaches to problem-solving, regardless of their language background. Additionally, the training aimed to increase participants' confidence in planning, reflecting on, and improving math lessons using multiple strategies to make math accessible to all learners.
This training represents Thompson Intermediate School's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational practices and supporting diverse learners throughout the Alabaster City School System. By equipping educators with these innovative strategies, the school is helping to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed in math.
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