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Guided Math in Action, A Book Study

Text by Dr. Nicki Newton

 Course Author: Whitney Harper

E-mail: harperw@castleberryisd.net

 Twitter: @wbharper

Google Meet: https://g.co/meet/gmbookstudy 

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Materials and Resources

• Text: Guided Math in Action by Dr. Nicki Newton
• Technology: Laptop with Internet Access
• Course: Login to Canvas
• Access to: YouTube, Word Press Blog, Twitter, Facebook (optional), and Pinterest

Purpose

Teachers in Castleberry ISD have been looking at ways to implement a Guided Math model for some time. This course will be delivered as an online book study combined with competency based performance for teachers to work through the chapters, collaborate on best practices, and implement a Guided Math model in their classroom. This 12 hour class will run from August through December giving teachers 12 PL hours as well as their 6 hour GT update.

Guided Math is a way to build each student's mathematical proficiency with small-group instruction. Although our math scores in the state tested grades (3rd-5th in elementary) have held steady, we are not seeing the growth that is needed to sustain academic achievement at the meets and masters levels for accountability. By implementing Guided Math across K-5 with teachers, it will begin our process to move the district to this model. Select teachers have been chosen for their content knowledge, classroom management skills, and overall teaching ability that has been proven through test scores and student progress. By differentiating instruction to our students, we will be able to reach all learners from our special needs to our GT students and all those that fall in the middle. Dr. Nicki Newton's book, Guided Math in Action, will be our guide to implementation and discussion throughout the course.

Format

The format for this training will include three parts: online learning through Canvas, google meets, and a competency-based observation of guided math implementation in your classroom.  Participants will be given the text, Guided Math in Action, by Dr. Nicki Newton, by July 1st.  The calendar of events will be as follows:

July 1:
Course Opens

July 1 - August  10th:
Participants will work through Modules 1-9

Participants will complete Module 9, which includes activities covering Chapter 9. Be sure and schedule a quick  a Google Meet with Whitney to wrap up the book itself and talk about next steps in the implementation of Guided Math. Participants will prepare for the introduction of the "First 20 Days" of Guided Math in their classroom. 

Week of August 16th:
Days 1-5 of the "First 20 Days" will begin.

Week of August 23rd: 
Days 6-10 of "First 20 Days"

Week of August 30th: 
Days 11-15 of "First 20 Days"

Week of September 7th: 
Monday, September 6th is Memorial Day, School Holiday
Days 16-19 of "First 20 Days"

Week of September 13th: 
Day 20 of "First 20 Days"
Begin implementation of Guided Math Groups

Week of September 20th:
Implementation of Guided Math Groups

Week of October 4th:
Classroom Observations can be scheduled with Harper.
Teachers will need to set up a day and time for observation.

Week of November 1st:
Participant reflections due by Friday, November 5th.

Week of November 9th-19th: 
Continue Implementation of Guided Math Groups

Week of November 29th:
Final Course Completion and Wrap Up

Goals and Objectives

G.1. Learner will be able to promote excellence in professional practice by implementing Guided Math in the classroom environment at their assigned grade level.

O.1.1 Learner will be introduced to the guided math model and reflect on their current teaching style.

O.1.2 Learner will review the elements of a math workshop and how guided math is incorporated into the schedule.

O.1.3 Learner will understand the importance of establishing routines and creating a teacher and student toolkit for the upcoming year.

O.1.4 Learner will review the differences between traditional ability grouping and flexible grouping.

O.1.5 Learner will create a schedule for guided math groups.

O.1.6 Learner will reflect on current assessments given in class and review the balanced assessment model.

O.1.7 Learner will review a framework for guided math lessons and begin to adapt it for their individual classrooms.

O.1.8 Learner will understand the importance of building mathematical proficiency in guided math groups.

O.1.9 Learner will develop math centers for students who are not participating in the guided math group.

O.1.10 Learner will plan and implement the first 20 days of math workshop through a competency based observation and formal reflection.

O.1.11 Learner will utilize the elements of guided math in their everyday math workshop to meet the needs of all their students.

 

Assessment

Mastery in this course will be two-fold. You will complete the book study modules through assignments, discussions, reflections, and short quizzes. In addition to the online course, you will provide a competency based observation to the course instructor in October, reflect on your progress in November, and complete the course by December 10th.

Course Modules

 

Module	Assignment	Assessment for Mastery (Post/Quiz/Reflection/Rubric)	Points
Module 1 - Chapter 1	Introduce Yourself to the Class Read and Review Chapter	Introduction Post (100) Reflection Questions (100)	200
Module 2 - Chapter 2	Read and Review Chapter	Scheduling Activity (100) Reflection Questions (100)	200
Module 3 - Chapter 3	Read and Review Chapter	Teacher and Student Tool Kit (100) Reflection Questions (100)	200
Module 4 - Chapter 4	Read and Review Chapter	Guided Math Group Schedule (100) Traditional vs. Flexible Grouping Quiz (100) Reflection Questions (100)	300
Module 5 - Chapter 5	Read and Review Chapter	Balanced Assessment Ideas (100) Reflection Questions (100)	200
Module 6 - Chapter 6	Read and Review Chapter	Reflection Questions (100)	100
Module 7 - Chapter 7	Read and Review Chapter	Reflection Questions (100)	100
Module 8 - Chapter 8	Read and Review Chapter	Reflection Questions (100)	100
Module 9 - Chapter 9	Read and Review Chapter	Conference with Harper-1st 20 Days (100) Attend Google Meet with Course Participants (100) Reflection Questions (100)	300
Module 10	Competency Based Activities	Competency Based Observation (100) Observation Reflection (100) Course Evaluation (100)	300
Course Total:			2000

 

Course Evaluation

A quick instructor feedback form will be completed at the conclusion of the lesson. If the teachers respond with mostly positive feedback, then the course author and instructor will know the instructional design was effective.  

  Time-frame

Upon completion, you will earn 12 hours credit, which include your 6 hour GT update for the upcoming school year. This course will span from July 2021 - December 2021.

Begin Module 1