Mathematics Learning Communities (MLC) MLC Facilitator Training Overview

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

2. 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

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

4. Research Base and Resources “Research on Teacher Preparation and Professional Development,” Grover Whitehurst “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 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 The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, Peter Senge

5. Goals of an MLC Form a collaborative learning community that focuses on student learning Understand new content in a deeper, more conceptual way 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. MLC ContentNumber Sense / Pre-Algebra

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. MLC Materials Online To view and download session notes mathematical tasks, student work samples, and guiding questions templates, visit: www.doe.mass.edu/omste/instructional.html

14. Contact Information MLC Facilitator Training for your school or district: Sandra Mayrand, Director Regional Science Resource Center University of Massachusetts Medical School (508) 856-5097 sandra.mayrand@umassmed.edu