More information about all 2026-2027 Building Thinking Classrooms workshops can be found here.
Across the United States and in Oregon, there is growing enthusiasm for Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) practices. In a BTC classroom, K–12 students work on math tasks in collaborative teams. Twenty-five years of research supports these approaches: students are more engaged, learn more, and develop greater excitement about math.
The morning portion of the day will focus on an overview of the research behind the 14 practices. We will focus specifically on the "First Toolkit" (Engaging tasks, random groups, and vertical whiteboards). Later in the day we will focus more on how to best support educators with implementing BTC practices.
Cost: Free for Clackamas County employees, $50 for others
**Clackamas ESD will send payment requests after the workshop.**
All participants will be provided lunch and may choose one item (while supplies last):
~K-12 Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics Book (orange) ← read this FIRST!
~K-5 Building Thinking Classrooms TASK book (green)
~6-12 Building Thinking Classrooms TASK book (maroon)
~Whiteboard supplies (Expo markers, erasers, a dozen small and large clear sleeves)
Workshop full? Join the waitlist!
Hosted by Lori MacKenzie, Clackamas ESD Math Specialist
You will:
- Personally experience a BTC activity, in the role of a student
- Learn about the research supporting these practices
- Visit at least two BTC classrooms
- Ask students and educators questions about the impacts of BTC
- Hear guidance about how to best build and support BTC efforts in your school/district
Notes:
- This event will be hosted at a Gardiner Middle School in Oregon City.
- We will have gluten-free and vegetarian options available for lunch. If you have other strict dietary restrictions, we encourage you to bring snacks or other food items to make sure your personal needs are met.
- Because we will be visiting classrooms, space is limited. Early registration is recommended.
- We may not be able to adjust room temperatures, so please dress accordingly.
- This workshop is for administrators and/or TOSAs / Coaches. Please check other options for K-12 classroom teachers on PD Networks.
