Mathematics Learning Walks:
Focused Observations, Collaborative
Conversations, and Effective Feedback Leading to
School Improvement
Beth Schefelker
Math Teaching Specialist
Milwaukee Public Schools
Lee Ann Pruske
Teacher In Residence
UW-Milwaukee
[email protected]
[email protected]
New Wisconsin Promise Conference
January 9-10, 2006
Monona Terrace Madison, Wisconsin
Current Status to Support High
Quality Teaching

What are you currently doing in your
school district to support high quality
teaching?

What are some of the challenges you’ve
encountered?
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Session Goals
To share one model of a mathematics
focused Learning Walk
 To demonstrate the collaboration
developed between colleagues when
observing and working in classrooms.

This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
F.J. Gaenslen School

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Milwaukee Public
Schools
640 students K3-8th
35% Special Needs
students
24 Regular
Education Teachers
16 Special
Education Teachers
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Gaenslen’s Learning Team

Administrator
 Math Teacher
Leader
 Literacy Coach
 Representatives
from the staff
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Purpose of a Learning Team
Nucleus of school planning for
improving instruction and student
achievement
 Drive school implementation of the
district Comprehensive Mathematics
Framework
 Build a school math learning community

This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Premise of Math Learning Walks
MPS district-wide initiative used to get a
“snapshot” of instruction and student
learning within classrooms.
 Ensure mathematics instruction aligns
with Milwaukee Public School Learning
Targets and Wisconsin State
Framework Descriptors.

This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Why Mathematics Focused
Learning Walks?

To ensure the consistent implementation of a
standards-based curriculum across all grade
levels.
 To promote the use of the MMP
Comprehensive Mathematics Framework to
focus planning and delivery of daily lessons.
 To support teachers’ understanding of
instructional practices that monitor and build
student understanding in mathematics.
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
MMP Comprehensive Mathematics
Framework
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
The Development of the Gaenslen
Learning Walk
2004 - 2005
 All Learning Team
members were trained
on the CMF.
 All members agreed on
the “Snapshot
Feedback” form.
 Data from the
observations and
feedback form were
shared with the staff.
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2005 - 2006
Learning Team reduced
to a five person team.
Staff members outside
of the Learning Team
were encouraged to
participate in the walks.
Format for the
observations remained
the same.
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Featured Learning Walk Teams

Learning Team
Rebecca Kasulke,
Assistant Principal
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Lee Ann Pruske,
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Special Education
Math Teacher Leader
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Brenda Kertscher,
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Special Education
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Mike Weaver, 6th
 Rebecca Schwall, 1st
Guest Teachers
Shivon Ferrell, 7th
Justine Buchanan,

Emily Cording, 2nd
Courtney League, 1st
Kim O’Brien, 8th
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Protocol for Gaenslen School’s Math
Learning Walks
 Pre-walk conversation detailing general content
students will be working on.
 Learning walk classroom visit
 Scheduled with the teacher.
 Classrooms are observed in teams of two.
 Interaction with students is encouraged.
 Post-walk debriefing to compare observations and
complete the Snapshot Feedback form.
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Now It’s Your Turn!

Watch the following classroom clip as if you
were on the Learning Walk.

Jot down your thoughts as an observer.
 What do you notice?
 What questions would you ask the students?
Teacher?

How would you consider sharing this
experience with other teachers?
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Lessons Learned…
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Spring 2006
The Learning Team
valued pre/post
Learning Walk
discussions.
Teachers valued the
cross-grade level
discussion and
collaboration around
mathematics content.
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.
Outcomes of Learning Walks
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Collegial
More collaboration
within and across grade
level bands.
Increased interest in
learning and discussing
mathematical content.
Development of a
supportive professional
learning community.
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Instructional
Instruction is built from
MPS Learning Targets.
Elements of the CMF
guide daily lessons.
Consistency in the
implementation of the
standards-based
curriculums across the
K-8 grade bands.
This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation Grant No. 0314898.