Transcript

Mathematics Learning Walks:Focused Observations, Collaborative Conversations, and Effective Feedback Leading to School Improvement

Beth Schefelker Lee Ann PruskeMath Teaching Specialist Teacher In ResidenceMilwaukee Public Schools UW-Milwaukee [email protected] [email protected]

New Wisconsin Promise Conference January 9-10, 2006

Monona Terrace Madison, Wisconsin

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Current Status to Support High Quality Teaching

What are you currently doing in your school district to support high quality teaching?

What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered?

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Session Goals

To share one model of a mathematics focused Learning Walk

To demonstrate the collaboration developed between colleagues when observing and working in classrooms.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

F.J. Gaenslen School

Milwaukee Public Schools

640 students K3-8th 35% Special Needs

students 24 Regular

Education Teachers 16 Special

Education Teachers

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Gaenslen’s Learning Team

Administrator Math Teacher

Leader Literacy Coach Representatives

from the staff

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Purpose of a Learning Team

Nucleus of school planning for improving instruction and student achievement

Drive school implementation of the district Comprehensive Mathematics Framework

Build a school math learning community

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Premise of Math Learning Walks

MPS district-wide initiative used to get a “snapshot” of instruction and student learning within classrooms.

Ensure mathematics instruction aligns with Milwaukee Public School Learning Targets and Wisconsin State Framework Descriptors.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Why Mathematics Focused Learning Walks?

To ensure the consistent implementation of a standards-based curriculum across all grade levels.

To promote the use of the MMP Comprehensive Mathematics Framework to focus planning and delivery of daily lessons.

To support teachers’ understanding of instructional practices that monitor and build student understanding in mathematics.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

MMP Comprehensive Mathematics Framework

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

The Development of the Gaenslen Learning Walk

2004 - 2005 All Learning Team

members were trained on the CMF.

All members agreed on the “Snapshot Feedback” form.

Data from the observations and feedback form were shared with the staff.

2005 - 2006 Learning Team reduced

to a five person team. Staff members outside

of the Learning Team were encouraged to participate in the walks.

Format for the observations remained the same.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Featured Learning Walk Teams

Learning Team Rebecca Kasulke, Assistant Principal

Lee Ann Pruske, Math Teacher Leader

Brenda Kertscher, Special Education

Mike Weaver, 6th Rebecca Schwall, 1st

Guest Teachers Shivon Ferrell, 7th Justine Buchanan, Special Education

Emily Cording, 2nd Courtney League, 1st Kim O’Brien, 8th

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Protocol for Gaenslen School’s Math Learning Walks

Pre-walk conversation detailing general content students will be working on.

Learning walk classroom visit Scheduled with the teacher. Classrooms are observed in teams of two. Interaction with students is encouraged.

Post-walk debriefing to compare observations and complete the Snapshot Feedback form.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Now It’s Your Turn! Watch the following classroom clip as if you

were on the Learning Walk.

Jot down your thoughts as an observer. What do you notice? What questions would you ask the students?

Teacher?

How would you consider sharing this experience with other teachers?

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Lessons Learned…Spring 2006

The Learning Team valued pre/post Learning Walk discussions.

Teachers valued the cross-grade level discussion and collaboration around mathematics content.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.

Outcomes of Learning Walks

Collegial More collaboration

within and across grade level bands.

Increased interest in learning and discussing mathematical content.

Development of a supportive professional learning community.

Instructional Instruction is built from

MPS Learning Targets. Elements of the CMF

guide daily lessons. Consistency in the

implementation of the standards-based curriculums across the K-8 grade bands.


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