What Does the math coach do?
What does the Math Coach do?
It is my job to provide classroom coaching and modeling of instruction and assessment practices, to provide training for teachers and to consult with teachers on curriculum, assessment and instruction. I facilitate proficiency-based learning and spend time in coaching cycles with individual teachers and small teams.
Mostly, I view myself as a collaborating teacher. Collaboration is what I have enjoyed most about teaching, and I believe that connecting teachers in meaningful and productive ways is the best catalyst for professional growth that will benefit us (as teachers) and our students. As we embrace the challenge of improving the performance of all students in our district, we will need to work together to develop and highlight models for best practices. I see the Math Coach as central to facilitating and supporting that collaborative work.
It is my job to provide classroom coaching and modeling of instruction and assessment practices, to provide training for teachers and to consult with teachers on curriculum, assessment and instruction. I facilitate proficiency-based learning and spend time in coaching cycles with individual teachers and small teams.
Mostly, I view myself as a collaborating teacher. Collaboration is what I have enjoyed most about teaching, and I believe that connecting teachers in meaningful and productive ways is the best catalyst for professional growth that will benefit us (as teachers) and our students. As we embrace the challenge of improving the performance of all students in our district, we will need to work together to develop and highlight models for best practices. I see the Math Coach as central to facilitating and supporting that collaborative work.
SO much Data, So Little Time
So Much Data, So Little Time
iPads are being deployed and we know that iReady and topic tests are also just around the corner. Once all the data begins to arrive at your fingertips, it can be daunting to filter through the massive amounts of data and even more overwhelming to determine how to use it to drive your instruction.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in education, information speaks volumes. Data analysis can provide a snapshot of what students know, what they should know, and what can be done to meet their academic needs. With appropriate analysis and interpretation of data, educators can make informed decisions that positively affect student outcomes.
Analyzing data and planning next steps for instruction are important steps in meeting your students where they are. Using data to drive instruction closes gaps and increases student achievement.
Throughout the year, use data regularly to recognize class and individual student growth, progress toward goals, and identify areas for improvement. Knowing the questions to ask and how to find the answers in data and reports allows you to make instructional decisions and informs your own goals and goals you set with students. When using data:
Here are my top tips for analyzing data.
#1 – Look for trends in the data to plan whole class lessons.
Start by looking at the areas where the class as a whole missed a lot of questions. Then plan whole class lessons on those concepts.
#2 – Look at individual scores to form small groups.
Once you’ve reviewed the overall data, it’s time to drill down to individual students. Look at the standards you have taught, and see which students missed those questions. Form small groups based on the data.
The students who have mastered the standard are in the top group (at or above), and they do enrichment activities at the problem solving center. The students who only missed a few questions are in the middle group (approaching). The ones who missed most of the questions are in the lowest group (below). Work with them 2x a week and give them lots of opportunities to practice the skill.
#3 – Remember that you know your students better than any test.
If your students’ scores don’t match what you see on a daily basis, use your best judgement to decide what groups they need.
#4 – Collect additional data on a regular basis.
If your students’ results don’t match with what you expect, you should have other data to prove where they are with the standards like previous year FSA score or iReady diagnostic history.
#5 – Share the results with your students.
Once you have analyzed the data, share it with your students. Look at areas they could improve. Together with the student, goals and make a plan for how to achieve those goals. Looking at the graphs can motivate students as they see their growth and also allows the student to take ownership. Use the documents available below to record and track the data throughout the year.
A guide to use iReady data to guide instruction can be found here:
Use Data to Plan Instruction
To use Diagnostic Data:
Here are three key resources to help you get started:
iPads are being deployed and we know that iReady and topic tests are also just around the corner. Once all the data begins to arrive at your fingertips, it can be daunting to filter through the massive amounts of data and even more overwhelming to determine how to use it to drive your instruction.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in education, information speaks volumes. Data analysis can provide a snapshot of what students know, what they should know, and what can be done to meet their academic needs. With appropriate analysis and interpretation of data, educators can make informed decisions that positively affect student outcomes.
Analyzing data and planning next steps for instruction are important steps in meeting your students where they are. Using data to drive instruction closes gaps and increases student achievement.
Throughout the year, use data regularly to recognize class and individual student growth, progress toward goals, and identify areas for improvement. Knowing the questions to ask and how to find the answers in data and reports allows you to make instructional decisions and informs your own goals and goals you set with students. When using data:
- Ask: Identify the right questions.
- Observe and Reflect: Analyze data and reflect on strategies you’ve already tried.
- Take Action: Plan instruction, share results, and celebrate student growth.
Here are my top tips for analyzing data.
#1 – Look for trends in the data to plan whole class lessons.
Start by looking at the areas where the class as a whole missed a lot of questions. Then plan whole class lessons on those concepts.
#2 – Look at individual scores to form small groups.
Once you’ve reviewed the overall data, it’s time to drill down to individual students. Look at the standards you have taught, and see which students missed those questions. Form small groups based on the data.
The students who have mastered the standard are in the top group (at or above), and they do enrichment activities at the problem solving center. The students who only missed a few questions are in the middle group (approaching). The ones who missed most of the questions are in the lowest group (below). Work with them 2x a week and give them lots of opportunities to practice the skill.
#3 – Remember that you know your students better than any test.
If your students’ scores don’t match what you see on a daily basis, use your best judgement to decide what groups they need.
#4 – Collect additional data on a regular basis.
If your students’ results don’t match with what you expect, you should have other data to prove where they are with the standards like previous year FSA score or iReady diagnostic history.
#5 – Share the results with your students.
Once you have analyzed the data, share it with your students. Look at areas they could improve. Together with the student, goals and make a plan for how to achieve those goals. Looking at the graphs can motivate students as they see their growth and also allows the student to take ownership. Use the documents available below to record and track the data throughout the year.
A guide to use iReady data to guide instruction can be found here:
Use Data to Plan Instruction
To use Diagnostic Data:
Here are three key resources to help you get started: