The Mathematics Coaching Handbook

Pia M. Hansen has been a classroom teacher for twenty-seven years. Currently, she is the director of Professional Development for the Math Learning Center. She is also co-author of Performance Tasks and Rubrics for Early Elementary Mathematics, Second Edition with Charlotte Danielson.

Preface

1. Examining the Role of a Math Content Coach

Defining the "Math Content Coach" Position

Coaches as Leaders in a Professional Learning Community

School, Classroom, and Student Factors

Personal and Professional Qualifications of Math Content Coaches

Final Thoughts □□

2. Preparing Yourself

Effective Leadership

Roles, Responsibilities, and Goals

Setting Goals for The Year

Scheduling Time

Communication Strategies .

Dealing with Conflict

Final Thoughts

3. Collaborating with Administrators

Meeting with the Principal

Personalities and Possibilities

Dialogue and Documentation

Gathering Data to Drive Instructional Practices

Observing Coaches in Action

Taking Part in The Practice

Staying Out of The Middle Position

Owning Up to Mistakes and Mishaps

Final Thoughts

4. One-to-One Collaboration

Beginning With a Positive Relationship

A Resource Relationship

A Modeling Relationship

A Collaborative Relationship

Inquiry Continuum

Planning a Pre-Conference

Guidelines for Classroom Observations

Using Observation Forms

Planning For the Post-Conference

Getting Started On a One-To-One Collaboration

Everyone Participates!

Planning for Coaching Cycles .

Final Thoughts

5. Understanding Group Work

Developing Collaborative Teams

Creating Agendas

Running Meetings Effectively

Working with Other Teacher Leaders

Dealing with Resistance to Change

Monitoring Group Work

Choosing a Fractal Experience

Final Thoughts

6. Working with Groups

Presenting to the Whole Staff

Using PowerPoints

Suggestions for Whole Group Collaboration During the Year

Implementing a New Curriculum

Planning Professional Development with Outside Consultants

Working with Small Groups

Making Time for Small Group Work

Utilizing Additional Times

District Curriculum and Assessment Work

Final Thoughts

7. Structures for Examining Teacher Practice

Looking at Student Work

Using Lesson Study

Using Action Research

Examining Cognitive Demand

Using Video Clips for Staff Development

Walk-through Observations

Planning for Peer Observations

Getting Book Studies Started

Final Thoughts

8. Conquering Challenges, Evaluating and Celebrating Success

The Challenge of Empowering Others

The Challenge of Using Manipulatives

The Challenge of Cooperative Group Work

The Challenge of Working with Difficult Teachers

When to Facilitate, Coach, or Become the Expert

Reflection and Advocacy

Evaluating Effort and Impact

Seeking Encouragers

Celebrating Success

Final Comments

References

Appendices

Appendix 1: The CCSS for Mathematical Practice

Appendix 2: The Common Core State Standards: Operations and Algebraic Thinking

Appendix 3: The Common Core State Standards: Number and Operations: Fractions

Appendix 4: Instructional Strategies

Appendix 5: Pre-Conference Guide

Appendix 6: Classroom Look-Fors

Appendix 7: Classroom Observation Form

Appendix 8: Post-Conference Guide

Appendix 9: Log for Working with Staff

Appendix 10: Staff Development Feedback Form

Appendix 11: Common Core State Standards Second Grade Curriculum Map

Appendix 12: Holistic Mathematics Rubric

Appendix 13: Reflections on Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Appendix 14: Evaluating Coaching Progress