 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Beyond the MSP: Project ALPHA’s Strategies for Institutional Change CAMSP Learning Network Meeting April 4, 2011

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Project ALPHA Staff Dawn Esqueda and Lorena Ponciano, Math Coaches Tor Ormseth, Project Director Susanna Smith, Assistant Superintendent (PI) El Rancho USD David Pagni (Co-PI) and Harris Shultz, IHE Partners CSU Fullerton Heejeong Lim, Mark Ellis, Natalie Tran Research Team, CSU Fullerton

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Overview Background information Student and teacher outcomes Strategies for institutional change: –Curriculum and instruction –Assessment –Professional Development: Collaboration –Administration –Parent Partnerships

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Project ALPHA & El Rancho USD Cohort 1 (04-07) & Research Cohort (08-11) El Rancho Unified School District: –Approximately 10,500 students –8 elementary, 3 middle, 2 high schools –98% Latino, 30% EL, 68% Free/reduced lunch Cal State Fullerton Mathematics Department Gr. 3-Algebra I Teachers (N=41) –80-hour summer intensive –24-hour follow-up (classroom coaching & “Math Study” meetings)

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement

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 Institutional Change What we mean by it… –Evolution of policies and practices to support implementation of project goals at site and district level Why it’s important… –Bridge from small group of project teachers to entire school staff –Changes in school and district culture to support ongoing improvement and innovation

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Curriculum and Instruction Key Change: –Standards-driven –Balanced approach to teaching –Focus on broadening math opportunities Strategies: –Templates (planning, problem-solving) –Project participants as models and facilitators –Leveraging high-level implementers

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Assessment Key Changes: –Alignment with standards –Written response items –Data analysis to inform instruction Strategies: –Project participants & coaches  MCC  Design, implementation and analysis of benchmark exams

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement PD: Collaborative Model Key Changes: –Specific grade-level math content –“Backward mapping” –Long-term commitment –Facilitated by teachers for teachers Strategies: –Coordination with principals –Develop leadership network –Classroom coaching as model

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Administration Key Changes: –Understanding of instructional goals –Commitment to collaborative model Strategies: –Buy-in at district level –Presentations, in-service for principals –On-going communication –Classroom observation guidelines (proposed)

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Parent Partnership Key Changes: –Content focus for parent involvement –Parents join teachers as facilitators of student understanding Strategies: –Project participants develop and implement Parent Math Nights as part of follow-up hours

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement 3-Year Institutional Change Strategy Summer Institute Leadership Strand: –Year 1: Teachers learn –Year 2: Teachers learn about sharing –Year 3: Teachers share Organizational Strategies: –Mathematics Curriculum Council –Coordination with administrators –Communication: Website and newsletter

 Algebra Preparedness for Higher Achievement Discussion