Miscellaneous

What is this project?

This project aims to provide mathematics teachers in Oakland with the collaborative learning opportunities that will support a shift to Common Core Mathematics Instruction. The project supports math departments to work with district math specialists and external partners to develop and test a professional learning approach anchored by the TRUMath Framework (attached). TRUMath identifies five dimensions of high quality mathematics instruction. Math team meetings at a site will be used to analyze video-taped instruction through the TRUMath lens, and math teachers will work collaboratively on various aspects of instruction across the year. Lesson Study will be used as a periodic strategy to go deeper into analysis of a lesson. A set of tools and learning resources will be created to enhance instructional practice and students’ mathematics performance long after the project has ended.

Why does this work matter?

Schools are expected to produce students with a deeper set of math skills.

The Common State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) call for a fundamental shift in the culture of the classroom and the practices of teachers. But it is left in the hands of districts, schools, and teachers to figure out how to make such a major shift. OUSD math leaders have worked with math departments to make sense of discrete aspects of the shift to CCSSM. But more will be required to make the connections necessary to fundamentally change classroom teaching. OUSD leaders initiated this project because we believe our District, working with partners with whom we have already had successful experiences, can lead the change all mathematics teachers and departments are being asked to make.

Benefits of Participation

Being part of a community dedicated to exploring mathematics teaching and learning can be stimulating and rewarding in its own right. In addition participating schools/math departments will:

• Receive support from a district math coach (hired specifically for this project) for engaging in Lesson Study, and using the TRU framework, with related classroom coaching.
• Have additional resources for department meetings in the form of expertise and videos.
• Receive substitute release time for Lesson Study observations and teacher stipends for work beyond normal hours for TRU–related activities.
• Have an opportunity to strengthen the department culture as teachers collaboratively observe and discuss teaching practice.
• Have the opportunity to shape materials and videos that will develop the school’s internal capacity to sustain improvement and that will support OUSD teachers more broadly.

Commitments

Math departments will be asked to spend 5-6 of their monthly department meetings engaged with the work of the project.

• Participating teachers will be observed up to 6 times per year by their colleagues, district math specialist and external partners.
• Teacher volunteers may be asked to have their instruction filmed with the videos being used during department meetings to look at teaching and learning through the TRUmath lens.
• Principals’ involvement and support will be required for organizational coherence. Principals will be asked to support the project by emphasizing the school’s commitment to the department chair and freeing up time for project work. Principals will also be asked to participate in periodic interviews in order to learn whether the project is judged to be effective, and the conditions that support or impede effectiveness.