UC San Diego Mathematics Project
Teaching Rational Numbers Professional Development Programs


October 2024

Fostering Ratio and Proportional Reasoning in Grades 6-9 (Part A)

October 5th, 12th, & 19th, 2024 – Virtual

Description: Middle school math teachers set a foundation that creates opportunities for students’ educational and career choices! Come learn with us as we explore this important mathematical domain together. Proportional reasoning is essential for success in math and science. This PD series approaches the development of proportional reasoning through the following contexts: multiple representations with ratios, percent ratio comparisons, rate of change and measurement.

The goal for this three-session professional development series

  • Using different mathematical contexts, participants will “expand their understanding, application, and enjoyment of ratios, proportions, and proportional reasoning.”
  • Participants will be able to then facilitate these experiences for students.
  • How to implement the revised 2023 CA Math Framework.

Participants will receive a copy of Teaching Fractions and Ratios for Understanding: Essential Content Knowledge and Instructional Strategies for Teachers by Susan J. Lamon.

Cost: $100 per individual ($80 if registered by September 28, 2024 )

$75 per individual for a team of 3 or more


Registration deadline: October 2, 2024

Download a flyer and share with your colleagues!

Space is limited. Register today!


August 2024

An Introduction to Argumentation (SMP 3) for Grades 3-9

August 17th, September 28th, & November 2nd, 2024 – Virtual

Description: Argumentation is not arguing. It is mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. It is learning high-cognitive demand mathematics and language development through the context of argumentation.

Our Goals for these sessions include:

  • Understand the argumentation phases: explore, gather evidence, draft and revise conjectures, craft a justification
  • Develop an understanding of ways to facilitate and support argumentation in your classroom
  • Be ready to convince others of the value of combining math learning and argumentation learning.

Participants will receive a set of handouts, directions for each argumentation activity, and a copy of the book: Teaching with Mathematical Argument: Strategies for Supporting Everyday Instruction by Stylianou and Blanton.

Cost: $150 per individual ($100 if register by August 2, 2024 )

$90 per individual for a team of 3 or more


Registration deadline: August 7, 2024

Download a flyer and share with your colleagues!


Teaching Fractions through Ratio Reasoning in Grades 3-6 (Part A)

August 24th, September 7th, & 14th, 2024 – Virtual

Description: Join us to deepen your own understanding of rational numbers and learn research-based and classroom-tested strategies that use ratio reasoning to build a cohesive learning opportunity for all of your students.

This three session professional development series raises and addresses these questions:

  • How can I use ratio reasoning to deepen understanding of part/whole “fractions”?
  • How can I use equal share problems to lay a foundation for grade level “fraction” learning?
  • What is the multiplicative relationship between numerator and denominator? How does this build a foundation for ratio reasoning?
  • What are more sensible algorithms for adding and subtracting “fractions”?

Participants will receive a copy of Extending Children’s Mathematics: Fractions and Decimals by Susan Empson and Linda Levi.

Cost: $100 per individual ($80 if register by August 2, 2024 )

$75 per individual for a team of 3 or more


Registration deadline: August 16, 2024

Download a flyer and share with your colleagues!