Introduction

CENTRALLY ASSIGNED STAFFStaff assigned centrally by a board to serve the schools of the board can contributeto system-wide math objectives through some or all of the following:• collaborating with superintendents and principals to develop clear, measurablegoals for professional learning that focus on mathematics instruction and studentachievement;• staying informed about current research on mathematics instruction;• participating in professional learning activities that strengthen their knowledgeof mathematics instruction and their skills in mentoring, coaching, modelling,and leadership;• creating and delivering professional learning activities at the board and schoollevels using the material in this guide;• supporting school teams in the development of professional learning and schoolimprovement plans;• developing mathematics support documents and recommending appropriateresources and materials for effective mathematics instruction and professionallearning;• working with teachers to model effective instruction practices in classrooms;• identifying and supporting individual teachers’ needs;• reviewing the board’s professional learning plan in collaboration with superintendentsand principals, focusing on classroom practices and board-wide professional learningactivities that will strengthen student performance.SUPERINTENDENTSSuperintendents can contribute to the improvement of math teaching and learningthrough some or all of the following:• developing, in collaboration with principals and central support staff, clear,measurable goals for professional learning that focus on mathematics instructionand student achievement;• staying informed about and disseminating current research on effective instructionpractices in mathematics;• sustaining their boards’ leadership capacity in the area of mathematics instructionby participating in training with peers that strengthens their own understandingof math and of mathematics instruction. This level of involvement promotesconsistency in the interpretation of information and demonstrates the value theadministration places on professional development;• coordinating internal and external supports, training, and professional learningnetworks at the board level;Achieving and Sustaining Improvement 15