Ed Partners Perspectives
Stepping Toward a Sustainable System
Sierra House Elementary in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District is working to develop a sustainable math system that focuses on enhancing both teaching and learning experiences. One of their key initiatives includes embedding open tasks in student experiences, which allows students to explore math concepts more freely and deeply. By offering grade-level teachers opportunities to collaborate, Sierra House is ensuring that educators can align their understanding of key concepts, unpack student work, and make data-driven decisions. This collaborative approach fosters consistency in instruction and supports a unified vision for student success in math.
In addition to these efforts, the Lake Tahoe team is piloting the Learning From Children Assessment (developed by the UCLA Math Project) to gain deeper insights into how students think and approach math problems. This assessment provides teachers with valuable information on students’ thought processes and skills that can be further developed. By analyzing this data, educators can tailor instruction to meet the needs of each student, building on their strengths and addressing areas for growth. These combined strategies represent a thoughtful and data-focused approach to creating a sustainable and effective math education system in the district.
The Lake Tahoe team is now in the final year of the P3 Pioneer collaboration , working diligently to embed these practices into the school system and culture. Their goal is to make these strategies a lasting part of how math is taught and learned, ensuring that the focus on open tasks, teacher collaboration, and data-driven decisions becomes the norm. As they continue to refine and implement these approaches, they are setting the foundation for a sustainable math program that will benefit both current and future students. The commitment to these efforts reflect the district’s dedication to fostering a deep understanding of math and continuous improvement in student outcomes.
Starting Strong
Central Unified in Fresno County has been committed to building preschool through third grade coherence with a focus on early math. Learn more about their journey in this new video!
Don’t miss an opportunity to reserve a spot in our next our Preschool to Third Grade collaboration for the 25-26 school year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve Kellner with any questions you may have.
