Tel Aviv University will encourage teachers to shift to a more student- focused approach, such as using open source platforms to analyze student work
In every middle school there is a team of mathematics teachers, ranging in size, who teach a number of different grades and levels, and are essentially responsible for giving their students a strong foundation of knowledge and skills. The quality of instruction and support at this stage of learning determine the scope of the pipeline for 5-unit mathematics in high school. When middle school teachers set a high bar for their students, diagnose their abilities and difficulties, adapt their teaching and provide reinforcing feedback, more of their students are well prepared for the advanced learning track.
To address this challenge, Tel Aviv University is proposing a pilot program to create school-based professional communities for middle school mathematics teachers in 20 schools. The idea is to engage the mathematics department in these schools in an ongoing professional development process. The goal is to encourage a shift from traditional teaching which is centered on delivering the material, to a more student focused approach. It will be promoted through the use of a variety of open source platforms and free software which allow teachers to analyze student work. The project’s leaders believe that the use of technology in classrooms can also motivate students to keep up with their learning, and in some cases allow them to better understand the subject matter.
In its first year, the program will operate in two pilot schools, and the mathematics department will convene once every two weeks for ten workshops. Additionally, an instructional coach will guide each teacher individually. In these meetings, teachers will learn how to diagnose student progress, how to analyze student understanding of mathematical concepts, and how to adapt the instructional material and methods accordingly. They will jointly conduct instructional rounds in their classrooms in order to provide insights and feedback.
In the second and third years, the program will gradually expand to 20 schools, following an interim progress report and an operating agreement with school operators. The program will be directed by Michal Tabach of the Tel Aviv University’s school of education, and Avital Cohen-Elboim, a mathematics teacher and former member of the Trump Foundation’s Advisory Council. The program will be closely monitored and evaluated, with a declared goal to increase selection of and retention in the 5-unit track in these schools.