Small Steps, Big Changes—Eight Essential Practices for Transforming Schools Through Mathematics

This text delineates eight principles that can help teachers raise achievement in math and make sure students have fluent skills that are balanced with understanding of concepts. It focuses on the ideas of keeping in mind the goals of thinking and reasoning effectively; solving problems accurately, flexibly, and efficiently; communicating clearly using mathematical language and representation; and demonstrating knowledge and skills on assessments and standardized tests. It then covers the principles of understanding the problem; having the stance of a researcher; following the 80/20 rule; understanding patterns of talk, content, and instruction; and having intentions. Each chapter ends with stories from a teacher, principal, and coach who describe the tools. Confer, an educator who provides professional development, and Ramirez, an educator and principal who has taught in the primary through middle grades, worked together as math resource teachers in high-poverty schools. No index is included. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)