In a student-centered mathematics classroom, students connect mathematics to real-world ideas, communicate their mathematical thinking, and persevere in problem-solving.
A focus on student-centered math provides educators with the skills to select purposeful tasks, anticipate common errors, and choose instructional routines that support the mathematical abilities of all students.
Focus Area
Student-centered mathematics instruction engages all students through creativity, exploration, and collaboration. We support skill development through personalized pathways built from BL Connect, Workshops, 1:1 Coaching, and Learning Walks to achieve clear outcomes.
Outcome: I support students to learn about math concepts in a way that fosters student ownership.
Outcome: I facilitate mathematical discourse that helps students learn with and from each other.
Outcome: I use scaffolds, differentiation, and choice to support all students to engage meaningfully with mathematics.
Outcome: I use visual representations in order to support students’ mathematical reasoning.
Outcome: I use the Math Language Routines to help students communicate about and understand math concepts.
Outcome: I support students to develop positive beliefs about math and about themselves as mathematicians.
Outcome: I use the Desmos Snapshots Tool to organize inclusive and productive math class discussions.
Outcome: I implement “just-in-time” supports in order to accelerate student learning of grade-level math concepts.
Outcome: I use tech tools strategically to support students to collaborate, communicate and visualize mathematical ideas.
Outcome: I partner with families to engage students in play-based activities that develop number sense.
Support students to enter the content by engaging in the I Notice, I Wonder protocol.
Increase math fluency by discussing and critiquing structure, patterns, and mathematical properties.
Help students reason mathematically by determining which figure, diagram, graph, or expression does not belong.
We’ve identified four elements that are key for academic success and for building student-centered classrooms. BetterLesson guides teachers, instructional coaches, and leaders through focus areas within each element to lead their professional development journey.
Instructional Leadership Improve instruction and learning for teachers and students by building your skills as an instructional leader.
Inclusive and Responsive Practices Build an equitable learning community where all students can be supported, celebrated, and successful.
Flexible Instructional Models Find unique ways for all students to learn, communicate, and solve meaningful problems.
Curriculum and Academic Content Use learning tools and curriculum to create a student-centered classroom.
OUR K-5 / IM K-5 Math: Integrate the instructional routines and resources embedded in the OUR K-5 / IM K-5 Math curriculum. Learn More
Improve instruction and learning for teachers and students by building your skills as an instructional leader.
Build an equitable learning community where all students can be supported, celebrated, and successful.
Find unique ways for all students to learn, communicate, and solve meaningful problems.
Use learning tools and curriculum to create a student-centered classroom.
OUR K-5 / IM K-5 Math: Integrate the instructional routines and resources embedded in the OUR K-5 / IM K-5 Math curriculum. Learn More
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