Replacing “Teacher-Proof” Curricula with “Curriculum-Proof” Teachers: What Who Make Curricula Great MEGAN W. TAYLOR Assistant Professor, Sonoma State University

MEGAN W. TAYLORAssistant Professor,

Sonoma State University

Ignite! 2013 – CMC-N Asilomar

MEGAN W. TAYLORAssistant Professor,

Sonoma State University

Ignite! 2013 – CMC-N Asilomar

Megan W. Taylor 20133

“If you’re struggling with an equation while doing your algebra homework, more likely your parent will look over your shoulder, wrinkle a brow in puzzlement, then say something like ‘I never got that stuff either; do the best you can and try not to fail.’ This is an old problem. In effect, math instruction weeds out people.”

-Robert Moses & Paul Cobb, excerpt from Radical Equations

The Appeal of “Teacher-Proof” Curricula

Megan W. Taylor 2013 4

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(Just a few of) The Problem(s) with“Teacher-Proof” Curricula

• no perfect curriculum yet exists– Or ever will?

• huge variability in how teachers use curricula

▫Teachers make a difference (duh)▫ In fact, teachers make the difference


“Curriculum-Proof” teachers are effective because they…

• Design effective learning experiences regardless of textbook(s) being used

• Consider – and attend to – different kinds of knowledge• Maximize the effectiveness of given, existing curricula• In practice, this includes…

• considering ranges of student understandings• better assessment


Intellectual activity anywhere is the same, whether at the frontier of

knowledge or in a third grade classroom…

The difference is in degree, not kind.

—Jerome BrunerMegan W. Taylor 2013 7

“Curriculum-Proof” teachers consider ranges of understanding



Learning Goal: Draw a male human face.



Learning Goal: Draw a male human face.


A-REI.6 Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately.

Sprizon: Cost (per month) = $60 + .40/textT-Bell: Cost (per month) = $50 + .50/text

Which plan is a better deal?Justify your answer algebraically and graphically.



Which plan is a better deal?

“T-Bell is cheaper if you text fewer than 100 times per month.”


“It depends. If you don’t text that much, you should get T-Bell.”




“T-Bell is always better.”




Beginning Understanding ---------> Advanced Understanding

- graph both lines- estimate the point of intersection (solution) using a graph- give the solution as a coordinate (x,y)



Beginning Understanding ---------> Advanced Understanding

- graph both lines- estimate the point of intersection (solution) using a graph- give the solution as a coordinate (x,y)

- solve a system using the “setting equal” or “substitution” method- explain why one solution method is more efficient than another

- solve a system using the “elimination” method- solve a three-equation linear system


“Curriculum-Proof” teachers use assessment more effectively

• Better assessment– Based on prioritized learning goals and ranges of

understandings– Allow ALL students to show what they know

• More frequent assessment• Better feedback

– For the teacher– For the students







Documents

Replacing “Teacher-Proof” Curricula with “Curriculum-Proof” Teachers: What Who Make Curricula Great MEGAN W. TAYLOR Assistant Professor, Sonoma State University