Kit and I have had the opportunity to work with many elementary school teachers as they focus their energies on having all students learn mathematics. We noticed as state mathematics standards began to change, teachers first addressed the differences in content students needed to learn at each grade level and then quickly started asking some deeper, instructional questions like:
We get the changes in mathematics standards, but HOW?
- HOW do we teach content so students make sense of mathematics?
- HOW do we get students to talk about mathematics?
- HOW do we design lessons so students are doing the thinking and talking 60% – 65% of every lesson? (Kanold, 2015)
- HOW do we make sure students develop the habits of mind needed to be successful mathematicians?