Cultivating a Math Coaching Practice

Book excerpt: "This new resource draws on cases of coaching practice to provide grounded opportunities for communities of math coaches to strengthen their practice. It is an exciting and important resource for anyone responsible for the professional development of math coaches." —Linda Ruiz Davenport, Senior Program Director of Elementary Mathematics Boston Public Schools, MA "Written case studies of math coaching are essential tools to facilitate the professional development of our mathematics coaches who work hand-in-hand with over 200 schools in our district." —Lance Menster, Manager of Elementary Mathematics Houston Independent School District, TX Deepen your understanding of math coaching practices! Given the current demands of a math teaching practice, this case-based resource helps math coaches, prospective coaches, and administrators develop their knowledge of math content, hone their coaching skills, and enhance their ability to provide professional development for teachers in Grades K–8. Field-tested in a number of school districts nationwide, this concise guide presents authentic accounts of coaching practice, dilemmas, and insights. The cases, written by practicing math coaches, emphasize developing a deep understanding of mathematics, analyzing students′ ideas and teachers′ beliefs about learning, and cultivating teacher learning and growth. Amy Morse provides: Math activities that strengthen a coach′s math content knowledge Planning activities to support thoughtful coach-teacher interactions A detailed facilitator′s guide for staff developers leading professional development opportunities for math coaches, providing a detailed agenda, specific examples of participants′ questions, and facilitator responses Cultivating a Math Coaching Practice gives math leaders the tools to help teachers create quality math programs and bolster student achievement.