Building and engaging a network 2019 Carnegie Foundation Summit on Improvement in Education Jennifer Stevens, President/CEO, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies Alicia Belcher, RMIN Math Teacher, Ridgeview High School Dr. Kenn Barron, Professor of Psychology, James Madison University, MRI Darla Edwards, Director of Special Projects, Virginia Advanced Study Strategies

Rural Math Innovation Network Conducting research for USED to create new innovative education models Education nonprofit Hub of the Rural Math Innovation Network Mission to assist K12 schools in preparing students for college and careers

Virtual networked improvement community (NIC) Aim to improve student motivation and performance in mathematics 4-year research project funded by USED i3 program James Madison University and University of Mary Washington researchers 30 pre-Algebra and Algebra I teachers in 16 rural divisions

Our reason for VIRTUAL High-poverty rural schools lack resources for quality PD Expansive and mountainous geography makes travel difficult and expensive 369 miles – 6 ½ hour drive Needs across rural schools are very similar Many math teachers have no peer with which to collaborate in their schools or divisions

Our working theory of improvement… Aim Primary Drivers Change Idea To improve student motivation and performance in mathematics Increase student growth mindset, self-efficacy, and value of math to improve motivation Create and refine math lessons to include GM, SE, and value strategies

Repository of lesson plans to share among teachers for improving student motivation and success in math Ultimate Goal…

Building the Network – Year 1 Common aim selected before RMIN was established (due to i3 RFP priorities) Partners and evaluator engaged – contracts required by i3 Teacher selection criteria developed from lessons learned in prior rural projects Online application process created for teachers to apply for participation in RMIN Virtual platform and tools selected and created by staff and partners

Our Virtual NIC Zoom to screenshots

Building the Network – Year 2 Webinars held about project expectations and benefits MOUs signed by superintendents Teachers selected from application pool Plans for training and support developed by partners and staff Teacher agreements - expectations and stipends outlined Summer institute held with teachers and principals Small and whole-group webinars for follow-up and support …and we STILL had LOTS of CHALLENGES!

Initial Challenges Issues with internet connections at home and school Blocked content on school networks Varying levels of technology know-how Glitches/needed improvements in platform Teacher discomfort with video-recording themselves Concerns about judgement from peers Worries about videos being used by administrators for evaluation Input from Alicia – also separate between admin/hub/researcher vs teacher

Ultimate Challenge Teacher engagement in RMIN – low MOTIVATION Some had low EXPECTANCY – “Can do” Some had low VALUE – “Want to” All had COSTS – barriers like time, issues with technology, need for more training, etc. Needed to apply our MOTIVATION formula for students on the teachers, too! M = E + V – C

How we are increasing E + V and lowering C More individual and small-group communication about needs Assistance provided to principals for supporting teachers Improvements to platform and tools using PDSA cycles Creation of teams within RMIN and stand-up meetings Additional face-to-face time for relationship and trust building Use of familiar technology (i.e., Facebook, Skype, FaceTime) More structure for project expectations and timelines

Challenges continued - Year 3 No control over internet connection issues Some still lag in technology know-how Most are struggling with peer-to-peer feedback Desire to be “nice” rather than “honest” Comments tend to be “pats on the back” instead of suggestions for change Watching videos and doing observations is time-consuming

“RMIN has changed the way I teach…” Teacher Perspective Through RMIN, I have the ability to connect with fellow teachers, despite living and working in an isolated community… I am able to virtually collaborate with other teachers across Virginia to improve instructional strategies, seek classroom advice, or offer my support. - Alicia Belcher “RMIN has changed the way I teach…” Emphasis on growth mindset language every day – the power of “yet” Use of real-world scenarios to help students see value in math Students now “persevere when faced with challenging problems”

Lessons Learned (so far…) – Year 3 Relationships and trust are critical for network members “Can do” and “want to do” attitudes + reduction of barriers = engaged participants Virtual NICs may be KEY to improving education in rural areas Add Alicia slide about wins/successes