Mathematics Learning Communities (MLC) MLC Facilitator Training Overview Regional Science Resource Center Regional Science Resource Center University of Massachusetts Medical School

In this overview… What is a Math Learning Community (MLC)? Research base Goals Audience Structure, format and content of sessions What is involved in MLC Facilitator Training? Model Logistics Benefits to Attending

What is an MLC? Content-specific Professional Learning Community Content-specific Professional Learning Community Authentic discussions about how children learn mathematics Authentic discussions about how children learn mathematics Collegial discussions that deepen teachers’ knowledge of content and pedagogy Collegial discussions that deepen teachers’ knowledge of content and pedagogy

Research Base and Resources “Research on Teacher Preparation and Professional Development,” Grover Whitehurst “Research on Teacher Preparation and Professional Development,” Grover Whitehurst “Instructional Policy and Classroom Performance: Mathematics Reform in California,” David Cohen and Heather Hill “Instructional Policy and Classroom Performance: Mathematics Reform in California,” David Cohen and Heather Hill “Form and Substance in Mathematics and Science Professional Development,” Mary Kennedy “Form and Substance in Mathematics and Science Professional Development,” Mary Kennedy Designing PD for Teachers of Science and Mathematics, Loucks-Horsley, Love, Stiles, Mundry, Hewson Designing PD for Teachers of Science and Mathematics, Loucks-Horsley, Love, Stiles, Mundry, Hewson Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work, Dufour, Dufour, Eaker, Many Learning by Doing: A Handbook for Professional Learning Communities at Work, Dufour, Dufour, Eaker, Many The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, Peter Senge The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, Peter Senge

Goals of an MLC Form a collaborative learning community that focuses on student learning Form a collaborative learning community that focuses on student learning Understand new content in a deeper, more conceptual way Understand new content in a deeper, more conceptual way Closely examine student work and formative assessments in order to determine progress and instructional needs Closely examine student work and formative assessments in order to determine progress and instructional needs Reflect on classroom practice, share strategies, discuss best practices, and expand professional expertise Reflect on classroom practice, share strategies, discuss best practices, and expand professional expertise

MLC Audience MLC Members Interested in mathematics teaching & learning Can represent any grade level, K - 8 No prerequisite knowledge needed MLC Facilitators Math coaches, specialists, or lead teachers Experience working with adult learners is helpful but not required

MLC Structure 15 school-based MLC sessions Co-facilitation of sessions is recommended Number Sense/Pre-Algebra content Aligned to Intel Math course 3 C’s Theme connects content across sessions Counting Composition Context

MLC Session Format Each two-hour, school-based MLC session includes: Mathematical background Mathematical background Math metacognition Math metacognition Looking at student work Looking at student work Reflecting on learning Reflecting on learning Connections to Grade Bands Connections to Grade Bands Writing a Problem At Grade Level Writing a Problem At Grade Level Feedback and wrap up Feedback and wrap up

Session 1 Getting Started Session 2 Counting Sessions 3 – 5 Addition, Subtraction, and Integers Sessions 6 – 7 Multiplication and the Distributive Property Sessions 8 – 10 Division Sessions 11 – 15 Fractions Continuation MLC Customization using school data and student work MLC Content Number Sense / Pre-Algebra

MLC Facilitator Training Model Training group serves as a “model” MLC Co-Facilitation Gradual release of responsibility Structured Facilitator Notes

Facilitator Training Logistics 5 full days of training Training will include math discussions & development of facilitation skills Work to be completed outside of training On-site and electronic support is provided as facilitators implement MLC’s in their own setting Training Location

Benefits to Attending MLC Facilitator Training Gain expertise in developing MLC’s in your own setting Explore K – 8 mathematics through student work Enhance Facilitation Skills Earn 30 PDP’s for training completion

MLC Materials Online To view and download session notes mathematical tasks, student work samples, and guiding questions templates, visit: To view and download session notes mathematical tasks, student work samples, and guiding questions templates, visit:

Contact Information MLC Facilitator Training for your school or district: MLC Facilitator Training for your school or district: Sandra Mayrand, Director Regional Science Resource Center University of Massachusetts Medical School (508)