The Impact of Common Core Mathematics Professional Development on Elementary Mathematics Teaching Self-efficacy and the Resulting Effects on Their Student Achievement


Book Description

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine the impact of professional development on elementary mathematics teaching self-efficacy as well as the influence of teacher self-efficacy on student achievement. Statistical t tests were used to analyze the dispersion of the teachers’ personal mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs (PMTE) and mathematics teaching outcome expectancy efficacy beliefs (MTOE). To develop a broader perspective, a qualitative analysis of interview data was implemented. Unlike the results from the quantitative data, the qualitative data in this study revealed that meaningful participation in professional development increased teacher performance as well as enhanced their mathematical teaching efficacy. This study offers findings to administrators and district offices about the importance of developing mathematics teaching self-efficacy and mathematics professional development opportunities.




The Influence of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics on Mathematics Self-efficacy


Book Description

Most states have adopted the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) in response to concerns that United States' students are not competitive in international mathematics achievement. The demands on teachers and expectations for students have increased with its implementation. The purpose of this mixed method study was to explore the effect of the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics on elementary teachers' perceptions of mathematics self-efficacy. In addition, the study examined teachers' perceptions of principal readiness to lead the implementation and principals' perceptions of teacher readiness to implement the changes. The study also examined principals' self-perceptions of mathematics efficacy and principals' perceptions of central office support for the implementation. Quantitative data were collected from 162 teachers from three urban districts and three suburban districts using a modification of the Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument. The qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 11 building principals and focused on principals' perceptions of teacher, self, and central office readiness to implement the CCSSM. The findings of this study provided evidence that the implementation of the CCSSM has resulted in a decrease in teacher efficacy in mathematics instruction. Principals perceived that teacher readiness for the implementation of the CCSSM depended upon Common Core-aligned text books. Conclusions state the need to increase efficacy for both teachers and principals




Supporting Development of Mathematics Teaching Practices in the Context of the Common Core


Book Description

Procedural learning has dominated the study of K-12 mathematics in the United States. A lack of emphasis on the development of mathematical thinking among educators has undermined American students' achievement in mathematics, thereby impacting students' readiness for college and careers in the 21st century. Elementary teachers, in particular, are often under-equipped to tackle teaching practices that promote mathematical thinking and the development of conceptual mathematical knowledge, both emphasized in the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. They are frequently restricted by their own content knowledge and confidence in understanding mathematics, and are themselves products of rote learning and an overemphasis on procedures. This study was designed to support development of mathematical teaching practices among a group of upper elementary (third through fifth grade) teachers. The study utilized a qualitative action research design in order to investigate teachers' perceptions of the development of their practice over time. Ten upper elementary teachers participated in a bi-monthly mathematics study group over a period of 6 months. The study group initially focused on using warm-up tasks to promote mathematical discourse. Data was collected in the forms of transcriptions of the study group sessions, written and verbal reflections, and pre and post-questionnaires. Throughout the study, teachers regularly experimented with practices they had rarely or never tried before. Teachers reported that the warm-ups they learned in the professional development were the driving force for changes in their mathematics teaching practices. Additionally, teachers reported that there were substantial differences in the student discourse that occurred during math time between the previous school year and this year and that facilitation of student discourse during math time became a regular part of their practice.




Common Core Sense


Book Description

Since the introduction of Common Core State Standards, many elementary teachers struggled with unpacking these processes and figuring out how to implement them in the classroom. Author Christine Moynihan introduces Common Core Sense: Tapping the Power of Mathematical Practices with the goal of making the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice more accessible and explicit.The Standards for Mathematical Practice provide a solid foundation for encouraging students to think, reason, and persevere like mathematicians. In her book, Moynihan demonstrates what each practice might look, sound, and feel like in the classroom by using the four-part GOLD framework:G - Go for the Goals: What are the major purposes of this practice?O - Open Your Eyes & Observe: What should you see the students doing as they utilize the practice? What should you see yourself doing as the teacher?L - Listen: What should you hear students saying as they use the practice? What should you hear yourself saying?D - Decide What to Do: What actions as a teacher must you put in to place to mine- the gold of the practice?Each chapter is dedicated to one practice and includes student work samples, classroom vignettes, and teacher thoughts. The consistent framework of the book outlines an easy way to learn and deepen the understanding of each practice. It provides teachers the planning and support they need to mine the GOLD.




Professional Development and the Mathematics Educator


Book Description

This book introduces the many benefits of mathematics professional development for middle school teachers. It explores key features of effective professional development, research-based models, that can be used to design professional development and an analysis of professional development in the context of adult-learning theories. The importance of professional learning communities as an avenue for educators to grow in their knowledge and skills is also discussed. A qualitative research study that elucidates the many benefits of mathematics professional development on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach middle school students is explored. The results of the study and its implications to teaching practice are discussed.




Mathematics Teaching and Learning in K-12


Book Description

The continuing gap in achievement between traditionally underserved students (students of color, English learners, and poor children) and their middle-class white peers, however, has provoked questions of the effectiveness of current mathematics teaching practices for meeting the needs of these students.




Cognitive Activation in the Mathematics Classroom and Professional Competence of Teachers


Book Description

This work reports the findings of the Professional Competence of Teachers, Cognitively Activating Instruction, and Development of Students ́ Mathematical Literacy project (COACTIV). COACTIV applies a broad, innovative conceptualization of teacher competence to examine how mathematics teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, motivational orientations, and self-regulation skills influence their instructional practice and teaching outcomes In this project data was collected on various aspects of teacher competence and classroom instruction from the perspective of both the teachers themselves and their students. Moreover, it gauges the effects of these teacher characteristics on student learning, as indexed by the progress students in each class. Questions addressed in the study which are reported in this volume include: What are the characteristics of successful teaching? What distinguishes teachers who succeed in their profession? How can the quality of instruction be improved?




Strategies for Common Core Mathematics


Book Description

This new, practical book provides an explanation of each of the eight mathematical practices and gives elementary school educators specific instructional strategies that align with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Math teachers, curriculum coordinators, and district math supervisors get practical ideas on how to engage elementary school students in mathematical practices, develop problem-solving skills, and promote higher-order thinking. Learn how to scaffold activities across grades and get strategies you can implement immediately in your classroom. All K-5 mathematics educators should have this book in their professional libraries!




What's Professional Development Got to Do with It?


Book Description

Abstract: There is deep concern the United States is not preparing enough students, teachers, and professional mathematicians and scientists to sustain the economic and scientific development that has made this country great. The problem is that elementary teachers are typically poorly prepared in mathematics, which is ultimately placing students at a disadvantage as they advance through the higher grades and college without a strong mathematics foundation. Educational studies have pointed to the importance of providing elementary teachers with on-going improvement of pedagogical practice in mathematics, but elementary teachers remain underprepared to teach it. The purpose of this mixed-methods research is to study the effectiveness of Lesson Study as a means of professional development for elementary teachers' implementation of the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practices (CCSS). The study focuses on teachers' perceptions of Lesson Study and their ability to develop lessons incorporating the CCSS Standards for Mathematical Practices and their ability to engage students in developing mathematical thinking. Literature pertaining to Lesson Study reveals the importance of sustained professional development for teachers. In collaboration with the SSD Superintendent and the School Board of SSD, all seven of the district's elementary schools participated in the study focusing on elementary school teachers in grades 2-5 (n =64). Researchers from the Urban Education Institute at the University of Chicago randomly assigned these teachers into equal groups of either the treatment group (n =32) or the control group (n =32). The elementary teachers who participated in this study were part of the Lesson Study professional development treatment group (n =32) in grades 2-5. The findings suggest Lesson Study can be an effective means of professional development for implementing the Common Core State Standards and the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practices. Through Lesson Study teachers can begin to move away from a teacher-centered classroom to one that focuses on a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Educational policymakers will learn from this study how teachers can benefit from Lesson Study as a type of professional development and how it can support teachers as they integrate new ideas into classroom practice.




Professional Capital


Book Description

The future of learning depends absolutely on the future of teaching. In this latest and most important collaboration, Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan show how the quality of teaching is captured in a compelling new idea: the professional capital of every teacher working together in every school. Speaking out against policies that result in a teaching force that is inexperienced, inexpensive, and exhausted in short order, these two world authorities--who know teaching and leadership inside out--set out a groundbreaking new agenda to transform the future of teaching and public education. Ideas-driven, evidence-based, and strategically powerful, Professional Capital combats the tired arguments and stereotypes of teachers and teaching and shows us how to change them by demanding more of the teaching profession and more from the systems that support it. This is a book that no one connected with schools can afford to ignore. This book features: (1) a powerful and practical solution to what ails American schools; (2) Action guidelines for all groups--individual teachers, administrators, schools and districts, state and federal leaders; (3) a next-generation update of core themes from the authors' bestselling book, "What's Worth Fighting for in Your School?" [This book was co-published with the Ontario Principals' Council.].