|
We’re excited to share the first blog in a 3-part series written alongside our partners at Illustrative Mathematics. Our series will explore the surprising opportunity at the intersection of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and family engagement practices. Toka Hussein is a K-5 Curriculum Specialist at Illustrative Mathematics (IM) and former elementary school teacher. Toka brings unique insights into the classroom and the crucial role that instructional materials play in shaping students’ educational experiences, including improved student learning outcomes and student engagement. Elisabeth O'Bryon is a co-founder and the chief impact officer at Family Engagement Lab (FEL). Her experience as the parent of elementary school students and her background in school psychology fuels her deep passion for family engagement. Elisabeth recognizes the impact of HQIM on student learning outcomes, which is only further enhanced when families are kept in the loop and invited to partner with teachers to support their child’s learning. Cultivating growth mindsets for mathOur collaboration with Illustrative Mathematics and research with families has revealed an opportunity to boost the impact of both high-quality instructional materials and parent communication by ensuring they are tightly aligned to support student learning. Increasingly, we’re learning that a growth mindset in math is an essential skill that empowers students to take ownership over their learning. With a growth mindset, students believe that their skills and ability grow with their effort. When faced with a challenge, they are more willing to persevere and work harder, believing that their efforts will help them overcome barriers. In this post, we’re exploring the connection between hiqh-quality instructional materials and regular parent communication, highlighting the importance of supporting students’ growth mindsets. Toka shares that “problem-based curriculum, like Illustrative Mathematics, set the foundation for and create the structures that support the development of positive math mindsets.” Elisabeth adds that “families can play an essential role in modeling the power of persistence, perseverance, and resilience.” It is critical that families are equipped with specific information about the skills and concepts that students are learning to effectively support them. Elisabeth highlights the role that consistent teacher-parent communication can play in helping promote students’ positive math mindsets. Recommendations for developing positive math mindsetsTrusted adults in a students’ learning journey - teachers and families - play an essential role in cultivating a positive math mindset. Toka and Elisabeth share detailed recommendations for cultivating students’ growth mindsets related to math.
Looking to keep up with the latest resources?You’ll often hear, “Math isn’t taught the same way anymore” or “I’m not a math person.” And yet, we know that math skills, particularly in middle school, are incredibly important for a students’ long-term success. As we have expanded our support for engaging middle school families in math, we knew we’d have to be thoughtful about our approach. As a learning organization, it was natural for us to reach out to teachers and families to better understand their needs and obstacles for supporting their students’ math success at home. Elisabeth O’Bryon, FEL’s co-founder and chief impact officer, recently shared insights with NAFSCE about our research and co-design process. A focus on the essential learning skills that facilitate math successAfter working alongside families and teachers, we’ve learned that families are uniquely positioned to help students develop the essential learning skills, such as a growth mindset, that will help them succeed with math. FASTalk, our parent communication software, is well-positioned to share insights with families and equip them with prompts to model essential learning skills or connect classroom learning to daily experiences. We shared mindset-focused FASTalk messages and asked for input from families and teachers.
The feedback we heard was tremendous! Instead of feeling stuck, families felt capable and confident. Centering families’ needs and experiences through co-design helps ensure solutions are both accessible and effective in helping families play their critically impactful role in promoting positive learning outcomes for their children. Dive deeper into Family Engagement Lab's research and development process in Elisabeth’s blog with NAFSCE. |
Categories
All
Archives
August 2024
|
|
DONATE
PayPal |
548 Market Street #42210 San Francisco, CA 94104
© 2023, Family Engagement Lab | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
© 2023, Family Engagement Lab | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use