Classroom Disruptions

John Hayes, Eagle River, WI    johnhayes@cpm.org

As a result of doing a few book studies – White Fragility, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, and Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria – I have been reflecting on how I can take action against inequity when I see it. I decided to create a list of actions and language that I would watch for, with a plan for how I can disrupt those things. My list is short right now and variable so that it is meaningful and effective, but also because different situations call for different responses.

During the month of January, I considered how I might use my action plan during Implementation Support Visits. We often think about Implementation Support Visits as opportunities to problem solve with teachers but I also see them as an opportunity to empower teachers. I have gotten in the habit of asking two questions at the beginning of each debrief during these visits. These questions not only push teachers to recognize positive things that happen in their classrooms but also encourage them to continue to take purposeful action. The first question focuses on positive changes: What student behaviors or practices would you like to celebrate since the last visit? As teachers tell me things like, “My students’ written justifications are better” or “My students’ discussions are better”, I take notes and prepare for my follow-up question. Then I ask, How did you make that happen?  Teachers usually pause after this question as they realize that the change in their practice has had an impact on their students’ learning. When they are able to provide a list of practices, expectations, and strategies they have used to create this change in student behavior, I ask them to write these down. This list of practices then becomes non-negotiable expectations in their classrooms.

The second question I ask, which is a result of my own reflection mentioned above, is, What student behaviors or practices would you like to disrupt in your classroom? The teacher may say things such as being off task, apathy, refusing to work in a team, or even status problems. The teacher and I then brainstorm some actions that the teacher can take when they witness these behaviors. Because I used the word “disrupt”, this set of student actions then becomes a list of behaviors for which immediate action is required.

One of the behaviors on my own disrupt list is using deficit language. Whenever I hear a teacher say things like “This is my low class” or “This student is one of my low students,” I say something to address it. For example, I will ask the teacher to pause for a second, and I will explain that they just used deficit language. I am transparent about why I am confronting them about their language.  I will say, Deficit language is on a list of things I have pledged to disrupt. This process is uncomfortable, but I have to stay true to my core values.

I think all of us, whether we are teachers or not, could have a list of things that we pledge to disrupt. For example, when we hear language with implicit biases against specific groups of people (intentional or not), we should and can disrupt that language, whether we hear it in a classroom, school, or even a company meeting. What can you disrupt? Make a plan for how you follow through.


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Algebra Tiles Blue Icon

Algebra Tiles Session

  • Used throughout CPM middle and high school courses
  • Concrete, geometric representation of algebraic concepts.
  • Two-hour virtual session,
  •  Learn how students build their conceptual understanding of simplifying algebraic expressions
  • Solving equations using these tools.  
  • Determining perimeter,
  • Combining like terms,
  • Comparing expressions,
  • Solving equations
  • Use an area model to multiply polynomials,
  • Factor quadratics and other polynomials, and
  • Complete the square.
  • Support the transition from a concrete (manipulative) representation to an abstract model of mathematics..

Foundations for Implementation

This professional learning is designed for teachers as they begin their implementation of CPM. This series contains multiple components and is grounded in multiple active experiences delivered over the first year. This learning experience will encourage teachers to adjust their instructional practices, expand their content knowledge, and challenge their beliefs about teaching and learning. Teachers and leaders will gain first-hand experience with CPM with emphasis on what they will be teaching. Throughout this series educators will experience the mathematics, consider instructional practices, and learn about the classroom environment necessary for a successful implementation of CPM curriculum resources.

Page 2 of the Professional Learning Progression (PDF) describes all of the components of this learning event and the additional support available. Teachers new to a course, but have previously attended Foundations for Implementation, can choose to engage in the course Content Modules in the Professional Learning Portal rather than attending the entire series of learning events again.

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Building on Instructional Practice Series

The Building on Instructional Practice Series consists of three different events – Building on Discourse, Building on Assessment, Building on Equity – that are designed for teachers with a minimum of one year of experience teaching with CPM instructional materials and who have completed the Foundations for Implementation Series.

Building on Equity

In Building on Equity, participants will learn how to include equitable practices in their classroom and support traditionally underserved students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Essential questions include: How do I shift dependent learners into independent learners? How does my own math identity and cultural background impact my classroom? The focus of day one is equitable classroom culture. Participants will reflect on how their math identity and mindsets impact student learning. They will begin working on a plan for Chapter 1 that creates an equitable classroom culture. The focus of day two and three is implementing equitable tasks. Participants will develop their use of the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Meaningful Mathematical Discussions and curate strategies for supporting all students in becoming leaders of their own learning. Participants will use an equity lens to reflect on and revise their Chapter 1 lesson plans.

Building on Assessment

In Building on Assessment, participants will apply assessment research and develop methods to provide feedback to students and inform equitable assessment decisions. On day one, participants will align assessment practices with learning progressions and the principle of mastery over time as well as write assessment items. During day two, participants will develop rubrics, explore alternate types of assessment, and plan for implementation that supports student ownership. On the third day, participants will develop strategies to monitor progress and provide evidence of proficiency with identified mathematics content and practices. Participants will develop assessment action plans that will encourage continued collaboration within their learning community.

Building on Discourse

In Building on Discourse, participants will improve their ability to facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse. This learning experience will encourage participants to adjust their instructional practices in the areas of sharing math authority, developing independent learners, and the creation of equitable classroom environments. Participants will plan for student learning by using teaching practices such as posing purposeful questioning, supporting productive struggle, and facilitating meaningful mathematical discourse. In doing so, participants learn to support students collaboratively engaged with rich tasks with all elements of the Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices incorporated through intentional and reflective planning.