Title: Mathematics Learning Walks:
1Mathematics Learning Walks
- Focused Observations, Collaborative
Conversations, and Effective Feedback Leading to
School Improvement
Beth Schefelker Lee Ann Pruske Math Teaching
Specialist Teacher In Residence Milwaukee Public
Schools UW-Milwaukee schefeba_at_mail.milwaukee.k12
.wi.us lapruske_at_uwm.edu
New Wisconsin Promise Conference January 9-10,
2006 Monona Terrace Madison, Wisconsin
2Current 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 youve
encountered?
3Session Goals
- To share one model of a mathematics focused
Learning Walk - To demonstrate the collaboration developed
between colleagues when observing and working in
classrooms.
4F.J. Gaenslen School
- Milwaukee Public Schools
- 640 students K3-8th
- 35 Special Needs students
- 24 Regular Education Teachers
- 16 Special Education Teachers
5Gaenslens Learning Team
- Administrator
- Math Teacher Leader
- Literacy Coach
- Representatives from the staff
6Purpose 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
7Premise 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.
8Why 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.
9MMP Comprehensive Mathematics Framework
10The 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.
11Featured 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 OBrien, 8th
12Protocol for Gaenslen Schools 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.
13Now Its 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?
14Lessons Learned
- Spring 2006
- The Learning Team valued pre/post Learning Walk
discussions. - Teachers valued the cross-grade level discussion
and collaboration around mathematics content.
15Outcomes 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.