Posts Tagged: Pre-Assessment

6 Easy Steps to Algebra Math Stations

Are you an Algebra teacher who is wanting to begin using Algebra math stations, small groups, and guided instruction with your classes?  If you are, then I’m already impressed and the students you have this year will be, too! Here are a few basic tips for implementing guided math instruction and Algebra math stations in a secondary classroom: 1.…

Tabor Rotation in a Math Lab

“If I had thought about it, I wouldn’t have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can’t do this.”     -Spencer Silver (inventor of Post-it adhesive) People typically don’t read long blogs. But, this one is well worth the read! A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit a school who took a team of teachers who have used the Tabor Rotation Framework for a semester, a couple of available classrooms, an enthusiastic math specialist, a supportive administrative team, a little bit of time, a little bit of sweat, and…created a Math Lab!…

Objective Observation

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”     -Dorothy Parker One of the most powerful tools a teacher has available is objective observation. In a differentiated math classroom, especially one that makes use of math stations, observation is essential. I was reminded of this in a conversation with an administrator who had hired me to assist her school in the sophisticating the ways in which they instruct mathematics.…

What can you hear in your room?

“There is no such thing as a worthless conversation, provided you know what to listen for. And questions are the breath of life for a conversation.”     -James Nathan Miller “You were the first person to stop talking at me and give me something I could move in Algebra.…

Whole-Group Mini-Lessons

“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” -Stephen R. Covey “Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” -Rodin “I get that the Whole-Group Mini-Lessons shouldn’t be 45 minutes long since the students aren’t listening after 10 or 15 minutes anyway.…

More Exit Questions, Please!

“A prudent question is one-half of wisdom.” -Francis Bacon “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. The most important question is: “Are your ready?” -Johnny Carson During follow-up conferencing this week I was asked a wonderful question.…

Scheduling Remediation in Math

“Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions. ” Edgar Cayce Many educators, who have attended my workshops concerned with simplifying small-group, differentiated instruction in mathematics using the Tabor Rotation Framework, have submitted questions. Before the year is over, my goal is to respond to as many of these questions as possible.…