Alliance for Teaching Mathematics to Special Education Learners Strengthening Content Knowledge and Collaboration of General and Special Education Teachers Milwaukee Public Schools University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Math and Science Partnership Meeting Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 27 October 2009

Milwaukee Public Schools Mathematics Grades 3-8 & 10 WKCE WKCE Nov 2008 N = 7948 students with Disabilities

Vision Improve mathematics performance for students in grades 4–9, particularly for students with special needs and for students who struggle, and Support a school culture for collaboration of general and special education teachers on improving math learning for all students.

Goals to strengthen the mathematics content knowledge of general and special education teachers; to enhance mathematics instructional and assessment practices, focusing on appropriate accommodations and modifications for special education students; to increase collaboration on math instruction between general and special education teachers.

Project Staff UWM Mathematics Kevin McLeod UWM Mathematics Education DeAnn Huinker UWM Special Education Judy Winn MPS Teachers and Specialists Mary Spidell, Supervisor, Special Education Beth Schefelker, Math Teaching Specialist Chris Guthrie, Teacher, Special Education, MS-HS Math

Planning and Implementing Instruction Students who need accommodations to succeed in the general education classroom instruction Students who need small group instruction to supplement and support general education classroom instruction Students who need specialized interventions

Accounting for Potential Barriers to Accessing Mathematics Expressive and receptive language difficulties Difficulties with abstract concepts Need for verbal mediation Short term memory

Addressing Issues Assessing understanding even in those who have difficulty expressing it Being explicit in a way that leads to conceptual rather than only procedural understanding Developing structures and routines to support conceptual understanding “Breaking down” tasks in ways that focus on conceptual understanding Prioritizing

Schedule

Evaluation Evaluation 1. Content Knowledge What is the impact on teachers' math knowledge for teaching? Are there differential effects on general education versus special education teachers? Evaluation 2. Practice What is the impact on teachers' perspectives on teaching math? What is the impact of the project on teachers' classroom practice? Evaluation 3. Collaboration What changes are observed in collaborative practices of general and special education teachers as a result of project participation? Student Achievement What is the impact on student achievement in math, both overall and for student subgroups, specifically special education students?