Introduction

As teachers refine their skills in mathematics instruction, as well as their expertisein applying and interpreting the results of a variety of assessment strategies,they are able to meet students’ individual learning needs through the use of arange of planned strategies and resources.• Professional learning teams– A school environment that promotes professional collaboration, cohesiveness, andconsistency contributes to a successful mathematics program.– Time spent transforming research-based knowledge into effective classroom practiceis time well spent.– By analysing student achievement data, professional learning teams can focusinstruction and track school improvement.Effective schools promote the development of a school-based community oflearners as a basis for ongoing professional dialogue and collaboration. Dependingon the school’s size, there are one or more professional learning teams thatinvestigate new research on the improvement of instructional practices; applyevidence-based teaching and assessment methods, such as those described inthis guide, in the classroom; and gather and interpret assessment data. The teambenefits from the diversity of expertise provided by its members, who mayinclude the principal, a lead math teacher, other classroom teachers, supportstaff, and teacher-librarians. Team members become proficient at asking questions,finding answers, considering trends in student achievement data, and reflectingon current instructional practices in the school. (Professional learning communitiesare discussed in more detail later in this chapter.)• School and class organization– A substantial amount of programmed time should be spent on math every day, andopportunities to teach math concepts should not be missed as they arise incidentallythroughout the school day.– School and class organization is based on the learning needs of students.The provision of sufficient blocks of time for mathematics, along with the threadingof mathematics instruction throughout the day, plays a vital role in student learning.Time is a valuable resource, and how a teacher structures the time spent on mathematicsin a classroom is important. In the primary and junior grades, there shouldbe focused time for mathematics every day. Mathematics should also be integratedinto other subject areas as appropriate. Math concepts arise naturally throughoutthe day, and teachers should capitalize on these teachable “mathematical moments”.Classroom routines and classroom organization are also important, as they set thestage for student learning and are essential ingredients in the building of a classroomcommunity of mathematics learners. Classrooms need to be arranged to provideareas for large- and small-group instruction, various kinds of learning activities,and storage space for books and manipulatives.Achieving and Sustaining Improvement 7