KIC Conference - National Speaker Dr. Chris Cain

Kansas Infinitec Coalition's 19th Annual Conference

Workshop Title: Conceptualizing Mathematical Connections Through UDL

Description: This presentation will support K-12 teachers in discovering how to create strong mathematical connections that enable all students to experience and enjoy the reasoning behind mathematics. Recognizing that many students, and even adults, often rely on procedural knowledge alone to arrive at the “right” answer, this session emphasizes the need to move beyond rote procedures toward true conceptual understanding.
 

Guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Dr. Cain will explore how to present number sense through multiple, flexible methods that address diverse learner needs. Research-supported strategies such as Subitizing, analog models, and fostering deep personal connections will be highlighted as ways to provide multiple means of Engagement, Representation, and Action and Expression to help students grasp mathematical concepts in ways that make sense to them individually. These approaches ensure every student can make sense of mathematics whether working on subtraction, advanced fractions, or Algebraic Equations in ways that build confidence and understanding. By modeling the integration of UDL strategies, this presentation empowers teachers to design mathematics instruction that is inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for all learners. The workshop is presented by National Speaker Dr. Chris Cain. Register here.
 

Agenda

• 8:30 AM - Introductions
• 8:45 What we know from the Research
• 10:00 The Components of Number Sense and UDL Connections
• 11:15am - 12:45pm – Student Awards Luncheon
• 12:45 Subtraction (effective teaching cycle with feedback)
• 1:30 Fractions (effective teaching cycle with feedback)
• 2:15- 3:00 Algebraic Equations with understanding (effective teaching cycle with feedback)
• 3:00 Reflection time
• 3:20  Q and A 
   

About Chris 

Dr. Chris Cain serves as a tenured professor in the Education Department where he holds key roles such as Coordinator of Educational Masters Programs.  He is also the Director of the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning (CETL) on his campus where he spearheads initiatives that enrich both teaching and learning experiences for professors, instructors, and students alike.
Dr. Cain's passion for transformative education extends beyond academia and into the K-12 classrooms. He champions initiatives focusing on conceptual mathematics. Most of Dr. Cain’s research and publications focus on the fascinating realm of mathematical education for ALL learners. He continues to explore how educators can go beyond teaching mere algorithms to nurturing deep conceptual understandings through a keen focus on fostering mathematical fluency through language-rich and accessible learning environments.
A captivating speaker and presenter, Dr. Cain draws from his extensive experience in both general and special education classrooms to inspire educators nationwide. His mission is clear: to make mathematics enjoyable and accessible to all, fostering collaborative learning environments that elevate student outcomes across diverse communities.
 

Financial Disclosure: Chris is receiving an honorarium for this presentation. Non-Financial Disclosure: Rachel has no non-financial disclosures.

Approved for 5 hours of continuing education clock hours for  Kansas licensed Speech-Language Pathologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. This conference is partially financially supported by the Kansas Department of Education. 

Participants will be able to: 

• Analyze multiple means of representation, engagement, and Action and Expression to design mathematics instruction that builds conceptual understanding of mathematical connections for ALL K-12 learners.
• Apply research-supported strategies and analog models to “sameate” instruction, fostering deeper reasoning and meaningful mathematical connections across operations and fractions.