Improving Mathematics and Geometry in Elementary Schools (IMAGES)
Improving Measurement and Geometry in Elementary Schools (IMAGES) is a professional development resource developed by Research for Better Schools with substantial contributions from a team of Pennsylvania educators. Geometry and measurement were selected for special focus because results from assessments such as TIMSS, NAEP, and PSSA, as well as anecdotal data from involved educators, have identified them as areas of student performance that continue to need improvement. The IMAGES materials are available in print form from RBS and in the web ite linked below.
In-person technical assistance and professional development is also available from RBS. IMAGES workshops have been conducted for more than 2,000 teachers.
The IMAGES resources are intended for classroom teachers to use in furthering their own knowledge and in planning lessons; school leaders for conducting professional development; and mathematics specialists and coordinators. IMAGES resources are keyed to both national and state standards. The relevant mathematics standards of several states appear in appended sections.
The IMAGES team encourages educators to use these materials to:
- Help implement state and national standards
- Determine what big ideas in geometry and measurement content are most important for students
- Find sample lessons and activities, as provided and as the basis for creating new classroom experiences
- Find useful manipulatives, videos, technology, children's literature, and links to research and curricula
- Improve our own content knowledge in geometry and measurement
- Foster collaboration with other teachers.
The IMAGES materials differ from other resources in that they comprehensively cover the geometry and measurement content expectations for teachers and for students in kindergarten through grade five. They also provide a broad collection of varying print and non-print resources addressing issues such as cognition and development, brain research, children's literature, assessment, and software.
Please take a look at the IMAGES Web site. The materials have been mainly taken from the print version; new materials have also been added. This site is still under development, and some sections are not complete. Please contact RBS if you need additional information to use this resource.