Title Tidbits
Volume 1 Number 1 September 2018
A Little Bit from Brian
Updates from Julie
“Mathematics is amazingly compressible."
- William Thurston
When we learn mathematics we engage in a brain process called compression.
When learning a new area of mathematics it takes up a large space in your brain, as you need to think hard about how it works and how the new ideas relate to other ideas. Ideas that are known well and understood are compressed and filed away - able to be seen as a whole - then recalled and used quickly and completely. The brain can only focus on a few uncompressed ideas at any one time.
The brain can only compress concepts; it cannot compress rules and methods. Helping students approach mathematics conceptually at all times is imperative for compression. (Thurston, 1990)
This year, the Title I Numeracy team is studying Teaching Student Centered Mathematics by John A. Van de Walle. Rich in resources, constructivist based, and aligned to CCSSM, this collaborative study will allow us to dive deeply into opportunities to build those areas of compression!
Updates from Jennifer
- Briefing: The hosting coach provides background and purpose for our observations.
- Preconference: We observe as the coach confers with the teacher prior to the lesson.
- Observation/Demonstration: We observe during the lesson. The coach may be observing the teacher or demonstrating the lesson. Our observations are layered by the purpose identified during our briefing and a purpose defined during the coach/teacher interaction.
- Postconference: We observe as the coach confers with the teacher following the lesson.
- Debriefing: We return to the goals and purposes identified during the briefing. Employing reflective practice, we assist the coach with his or her analysis and reflection. We listen as the coach plans next steps in the coaching cycle.
Our first cluster visit was at Westport and next month we will observe at York. So far, it has been very beneficial to study literacy coaching at this in-depth level. We are looking forward to sharing our learning as the year progresses!
Updates from Shelly
The Reading Interventionists are studying an article, Lessons Learned: Applying Principles of Reading Recovery in the Classroom, by Dr. Kayla Lewis. Dr. Lewis is currently a professor of reading at Missouri State and was a literacy coach in Republic.
The lessons that she directs us to think about apply to all learners and content areas whether you are 6 years old or much older. Lesson one is the power of observation. In today’s world everything is fast and is conveniently at our fingertips.The gift of observation allows us to slow down and notice what the learner is controlling and how the learner is approaching a task. Intentional observation can lead to generative, teachable moments that may lead to powerful shifts.
Check out the Article.