ILEARN Checkpoint 1: Guiding Math Content, Instruction, and Intervention (Grades 6-8)

Focused for grades 6-8

As Indiana educators embark on the new ILEARN testing structures and consider how to use the Checkpoint tests as common formative data, we invite you to get ready for ILEARN Checkpoint 1 with a deep dive into the math content and skills students need to know. This session will support you in developing both your content and pedagogical knowledge to align instruction and intervention with student needs. Walk away with practical strategies and a clearer understanding of how to focus your teaching for maximum impact—just in time for the assessment.

Participants will:

• Understand how to utilize the variety of resources provided by the IDOE.

• Break down each standard by performance level descriptor and become an expert on the content and progression of each standard, how to impactfully teach it, plan for intervention, and create additional formative assessments for ongoing monitoring.

• Consider how adopted resources align to the expectations of each standard.

• Collaborate with educators across the state to determine best practices for your students

By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with practical tools to enhance instruction and optimize learning experiences leading up to checkpoint assessments and consider next steps in planning for Tier 2 instruction.

Workshop Details:

• Date: September 23, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm EST

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee: SIEC Member - $175/Non-member $245

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the embedded registration form below.

Presenter Information: Jeff Harker

Jeff Harker is a 32 year veteran of public secondary mathematics education in Indiana.  During his tenure he cultivated his role as teacher leader in the classroom and out of the classroom as a cross country coach for 30 years.  He was also a literacy coach for 5 years during his career.  He has presented at the school, district, state and national levels on topics such as struggling learners, questioning, grading, reading strategies, differentiation, and self-direction.  He has always enjoyed his role as teacher, both for students and adults.  

Jeff obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Ball State University.  (Chirp chirp!)  Then went on to receive a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University.  After spending a year teaching in North Carolina, he returned to his roots in Northern Indiana at Warsaw Community Schools and a short stint teaching for Ivy Tech, finally ending up in the Indianapolis area in Lawrence Township where he spent the last 25 years.  After retiring from teaching he found his way back to his passion for professional development and helping teachers at CIESC.

As a Professional Learning Specialist with Keep Indiana Learning and CIESC, Jeff is focused on helping teachers hone their craft and helping their students become independent, successful learners