Through a series of professional development experiences, teachers learn to implement teaching strategies that improve student learning and performance. An important part of this experience is a cycle of classroom visits.

Through a series of professional development experiences, teachers learn to implement teaching strategies that improve student learning and performance. An important part of this experience is a cycle of classroom visits. A NWREL facilitator demonstrates the instruction of open-ended problem solving for teachers in their classrooms. Next, teachers are observed applying the model with their students, followed by feedback and the opportunity to reflect on the lesson and student learning. As a result, participants will gain expertise and confidence in teaching mathematics through problem solving and develop skills in identifying and designing effective problem-solving tasks.

An impact study was conducted in two schools in Washington to measure the effect of the model. The treatment school showed improvement in all three areas studied: student achievement, student attitudes, and teacher practice.

This service can be customized for:

Teachers of mathematics, paraeducators who work in mathematics, and education administrators. Teams from the same school, district, or organization are encouraged to attend together. It is most effective for this service to be tailored for specific grade clusters—K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

What Participants Will Learn

• How to use formative assessment tools to assess student problem solving
• How to identify and implement standards-based performance assessment tasks
• Traits of mathematics problem solving and the process of learning mathematics

Accompanying Products

• NWREL mathematics problem-solving model tasks
• NWREL mathematics scoring guide
• Journal readings

Format

• One-day introductory workshop
• Yearlong service (introductory workshop—length to be determined depending on school or district's specific needs—plus five three-day follow-up visits by a NWREL facilitator)