Learning Together and Building Capacity for Math Instruction
Math in Common® supports diverse California school districts as they implement the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSS-M) across grades K–8. The initiative spans 2013 to 2020.
The California math standards demand deep and broad shifts in classroom instruction. The initiative builds leadership capacity within each district and supports districts in developing and carrying out a continuous improvement plan for implementing the math standards. These districts are providing a system of supports for teachers, including professional learning delivered at their school sites. Each district is also working to build an internal culture of learning and improvement – including the use of data to fuel enhanced instructional practice.
Participating public school districts
Ten districts received Math in Common Grants: Dinuba, Elk Grove, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Oakland, Oceanside, Sacramento City, San Francisco, Sanger, and Santa Ana.Collectively, these districts serve almost 300,000 K–8 schoolchildren and serve nine percent more low-income students and six percent more English learner students than the average for schools statewide. Two districts, Garden Grove and Long Beach, concluded their grants in Summer 2018; the other districts continue in the initiative’s second phase ending in 2020.
Evaluation and Learning
A multi-year evaluation of the Math in Common initiative by WestEd is exploring how districts, sites, and teachers are implementing CCSS-M, and with what effect on student learning. Findings are disseminated statewide.
WestEd is also working with the Math in Common districts to strengthen their ability to collect and use data for continuous improvement.
A community of practice managed by California Education Partners supports professional learning in each district and provides a means for discussing effective strategies, examining common challenges, and sharing tools as well as lessons learned across districts. Learning formats include convenings of district administrators and school principals, topical workshops led by expert consultants as well as district personnel, and summer sessions for principals and math coaching faculty. Technical assistance is available to each district leadership team to help with unique challenges and to solve local problems of practice.
Foundation staff documented their observations and learning following the first five years of the initiative. View these reflections.
Related Resources
