Introduction

Boards and schools have improvement plans, which they update annually. A school’sgoals for improvement and its plans for achieving them form a central part of theschool’s overall improvement plan.THE PACE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF EFFECTIVE MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTIONThe successful adoption of new teaching practices depends on:• the priority given to the initiative;• the background knowledge, teaching experience, and skill levels of the educators.When mathematics is made a priority, educators are encouraged to apportion timeto learning, planning, assessment, and instruction. Indeed, the more attention thatis paid to these functions, the more quickly the initiative can be implemented. Withrespect to background knowledge, experience, and skills, teachers who have experiencedelivering the kind of effective mathematics instruction set out in this referenceguide may be able to fully implement these methods and strategies within a relativelyshort period of time. Those who do not have this experience may require considerablymore time to reach the stage where they are able to consistently apply theirnew knowledge and skills in the classroom environment.Working Together to Improve Mathematics InstructionWithin the school, classroom teachers have the strongest influence on the developmentof students’ mathematical understanding. In schools that are successful in improvingstudent achievement, teachers and administrators act as a team to provide focus andsupport for classroom teachers to develop their professional expertise. In additionto classroom teachers, principals, centrally assigned staff, and superintendents canall make distinct contributions towards implementing and sustaining effective mathematicsinstruction practices. Working together, these individuals can plan the kind ofprofessional development that will result in advancing the learning goals set for students.As well, they collaborate with parents and other community members in defining,implementing, and reviewing school improvement plans. Each partner plays a differentrole in working to improve math instruction, as described below.CLASSROOM TEACHERSClassroom teachers are the key to improving student learning in mathematics.Increasing teachers’ understanding of mathematics, of how students learn mathematics,and of how to teach math strategies effectively will result in improved student learning.Classroom teachers can improve their instructional effectiveness, and begin to takeon leadership roles in the effort to improve students’ mathematical understanding, by:• incorporating the research-informed teaching strategies described in this guideinto their instructional practices;10 A Guide to Effective Instruction in Mathematics, Kindergarten to Grade 6 – Volume One