6 Tools for Collaborative Mathematics Coaching (PDF)

In 6 Tools for Collaborative Mathematics Coaching, Nicora Placa lays out a clear path to help you become a trusted and effective math coach. Her "6 Tools" are flexible structures that you and your colleagues can use to learn together:

1. Building Teams: Fostering a Learning Community


2. Student Interviews: Learning to Listen


3. Visiting Classrooms: Developing Your Lens


4. Learning Walks: Focusing the Team on Students' Thinking


5. Rehearsing Routines: Practicing with Colleagues


6. Lesson Study: Learning Collectively with Voice, Choice, and Agency

In this easy-to-use, practical guide, Placa introduces each of the 6 Tools with classroom vignettes, step-by-step guidelines for rollout, connections to the literature, resources for further research, planning templates, and opportunities for you to adapt the tool for your particular context.

Whether you're a new coach who loves teaching math to children but is new to adult education, or a more experienced coach who is looking for new strategies to engage your teams, 6 Tools for Collaborative Mathematics Coaching can help you create learning opportunities that honor teachers as professionals. With a collaborative coaching approach, you can improve teaching and learning across your school and for all your students.

"There's so much to love about how 6 Tools is constructed." -- Elham Kazemi