Professional Learning Team Report s1

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM REPORT 2011-2012 PLT Title Assessing Math Concepts

Blurb for PLT Conference Brochure Have you heard the buzz about Kathy Richardson Assessing Math Concepts? Learn how these assessments and materials were used in second grade classrooms with the goal of improving students’ number concepts.

Contact Information (Write * next to facilitator’s name.) Name School Grade Level or Subject Melissa Gainer Winn Brook School Grade 2 Jean Griot-Cross Winn Brook School Grade 2 Robin Morrison Winn Brook School Grade 2 Nicole Torniero Winn Brook School Grade 2 Pat English-Sand* Winn Brook School Special Education

Guiding Theme X Differentiated Instruction/RTI Integrated, Real-Life Experiences Acquisition of 21st Century Skills Deepening Teacher Content Knowledge Improving School Climate/Culture Teaching the “Whole Student” Other (explain) ______

Inquiry Question How do we incorporate Kathy Richardson’s Assessing Math Concepts instructional materials and assessments into our current math program in order to improve second grade students’ number concepts?

Process 1. Administered Kathy Richardson assessments. 2. Review data. 3. Decided on future instruction. 4. Determined whether Kathy Richardson materials enhanced the mathematical understandings of typically developing second graders. 5. After reviewing the Common Core, evaluated whether Kathy Richardson materials address the enduring understandings. Findings

 Administering the testing must align with the students’ individual mastery along the continuum of math concepts.

 The time necessary to complete the assessments with an entire class, in addition to the data collection, didn’t provide enough useful information to use in a classroom setting.

 The organization and creation of the Kathy Richardson kit materials is not user friendly.

 The language used in the assessments is not aligned with the instructional language typically used in a classroom.

 The activities are more effective when used in a small group rather than in stations.

Recommendations / Next Steps Consider alternative assessments and supplementary materials that are aligned with the common core.