Activating the Vision

In order to build and sustain a successful mathematics program, mathematics leaders need to collaboratively establish a cohesive vision for teaching and learning and put that vision into action. This book details the necessary steps mathematics leaders must take to change traditional practices; meet new curricular, instructional, and assessment challenges; and engage students, families, and community members in mathematics education.

Benefits

• Discover the big ideas and essential understandings of the four keys of effective mathematics leadership and how the four keys connect to each other.
• Answer questions to assess mathematics leadership.
• Consider scenarios that illustrate how mathematics leaders can take the visionary leadership actions described in this book.
• Explore the relationships among district-, site-, and team-level engagement.
• Appraise the necessary steps to move mathematics leadership from vision to action.
• Use appendices that present planning templates and menus of professional development opportunities.

Contents

Foreword by Timothy D. Kanold

Introduction

Part I: Establish a Clear Vision for Mathematics Teaching and Learning

1. Take Stock of Your Mathematics Program's Health
2. Develop a Collaborative Vision for an Exemplary Mathematics Program
3. Establish Measures of Success

Part II: Support Visionary Professional Learning for Teachers and Teacher Leaders

• Engage Teachers in Worthwhile and Differentiated Professional Learning
• Develop Highly Skilled and Highly Effective Mathematics Leaders
• Build Capacity of Site-Based Administrators and District Leaders

Part III: Develop Systems for Activating the Vision

• Leverage Team Actions
• Create and Implement Well-Designed Curriculum and Assessments
• Monitor Consistent Expectations for Exemplary Instruction

Part IV: Empower the Vision of Family and Community Engagement

1. Activate the Student Voice to Check Alignment Between Vision and Reality
2. Empower Families as Informed Advocates
3. Build and Engage a Strong Network of Partnerships

Epilogue

Appendix A: Vision for Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Appendix B: Cognitive Demand

Appendix C: Planning Template for Change

Appendix D: Mathematics Professional Development Plan for a School Year