Shayna Kalnitsky

  • 2018-19 Program of Mathematics Study & Active Professionalism Grants Recipient

    Shayna Kalnitsky

    Killington Elementary School, Killington, Vermont

    Exponential Growth, Compounding Interest and Infinite Rate of Return: Impactful Math Intervention and Coaching in a small rural Vermont Elementary School

    How many times would you have to fold a piece of paper, whose thickness is but a mere .001cm, in half in order to reach the moon?  Most people would ask how is that even possible? The answer is but a mere 45 folds.  This exponential growth phenomenon is not unlike taking a skilled mathematics teacher leader who can coach district wide, plan and deliver interventions and dropping her in a rural setting in Vermont.  The reality of very small schools is lacking adequate resources and personnel to meet the needs of a variety of learners. It adds complexity to preparing students to be college ready and closing the widening learning gap in the face of increasing poverty, widespread opioid addiction and in a state where a considerable number of students never attend preschool.  My proposal is a plan to meet those  needs and take on the challenge of mathematics proficiency in a state where some schools are scoring in single digit percentiles.