Morris School DistrictGrade 4 and 5 Math Grouping Alternative

BOE Approved June 2015

Our Research ❖Until now, our 4th and 5th grade students have

been organized into homogenous groups for Math.

Homogenous: students are grouped by ability level

❖ After collecting data from various sources, we determined that while there were some benefits to this model, there were also a number of challenges.

Benefits of Homogeneous Grouping

Students❖ Work with others in their academic range

❖ Whole class works on similar skills

Teachers❖ Lesson preparation is focused at only one

academic level

❖ Access one set of resources for lessons

Challenges of Homogeneous Grouping

Academic growth❖ Not at a high rate in any of the groups

❖ Differentiated may still be needed but provided less frequently

Integrated Learning❖ Students are not grouped for other subjects; having to leave

their classmates and teacher breaks the continuity in learning and decreases opportunity for cross content learning across the school day

Higher Level Thinking❖ Modeling, sharing strategies and peer learning opportunities

are limited

School Grouping InformationFor several good reasons, Math groupings in grades 4 and 5 are inconsistent across the district-we have seen success in the alternative grouping designs

across the schools.

Normandy Park

❖ Does not group by ability for math

Alexander Hamilton

❖ 4th & 5th grouping by ability

❖ CABAS 4th & 5th does not group by ability for math (BOE approved 2014)

Sussex Avenue

❖ 4th & 5th Grade grouping by ability

Thomas Jefferson

❖ 4th & 5th Grade grouping by ability

❖ Shared Teaching classrooms not grouping

Our Research As a result of our data review and consulting with staff, the recommendation to move to organizing students into heterogeneous groups for Math instruction was made to the Board of Education.

❖ Heterogeneous: Students are grouped so that all levels of abilities are represented

The recommendation was approved by the Board of Education in June 2015.

2015-16 School Year PlanWe will……..

❖ discontinue ability grouping for at the 4th and 5th grade level

❖ utilize new Everyday Math and Blended learning tools to facilitate more targeted learning and more meaningful math experiences for all students.

❖ use Unit PreTests to determine student need by concept in order to provide enrichment for students who are excelling and support for students who are experiencing challenges.

❖ collect data through universal diagnostic, teacher conferences, Everyday Math Assessments and online supports to determine the rate of growth for all students over time.

❖ analyze the success of the grouping change in Spring 2016 and make recommendations for the 2016-17 school year.

Scheduling & Support ❖ Students remain with homeroom teacher for

math.❖ Teachers without assigned math groups become:

Math Enrichment Teachers➔ Pull-out and Push-in learning groups

➔ Project Based Enrichment

Math Support Teachers➔ Pull-out and Push-in learning groups

➔ Targeted skill development opportunities

Excellent Teaching Practices

Excellent teaching practices are already being used in heterogeneous groups for all other content areas. Teachers will continue to participate and utilize the following:

❖ Collaborative Teaching Practice❖ Data Informed Teaching Practice❖ Math Workshop Model

Short and well defined mini lessons

Differentiated instruction by strand and/or skill

Partner and group work

Teacher led guided and targeted groups

Student-Teacher Math Conferences

Student & Teacher Resources❖ Blended Learning: Intentional integration of online

and in person education to expand learning opportunities for students.

❖ Math supports and learning platforms

Everyday Math Updated Series:

Common Core Aligned

Rigorous Math content and application

Lessons specifically designed for accelerated learning

Everyday Math Online, Ten Marks, XtraMath.org

Ongoing CommunicationWe value your input!

There will be multiple opportunities for parents/guardians to provide feedback throughout the school year, including:❖ Home and School Association Meetings❖ Parent-Teacher Conferences