“Tomorrow we will have a guest speaker.” Surely this statement must always be followed by the announcement of a guest lecture in History, an actor or singer for the Drama class, a local park ranger or chemical engineer for the Sciences, or a published author to speak to the Language Arts classes. “Our guest will [...]
About Andrew Foster
Happy husband, father of two, Middle School Math Teacher, team leader, quality systems coach, lifelong learner. Residing in New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.
March 14, 2013
CCSS Mathematics Classroom Shift #2: Coherence
Recently, as my colleagues and I have been planning instruction and assessment in PLCs, we’ve noticed something that needs to change. We have been teaching Mathematics like cleaning out the attic: one box at a time. When we get to the probability box, we open it up, pull out all our tools and tricks, then [...]
March 6, 2013
CCSS Math: Sequential or Not?
The following is a great question from a reader and my attempt to answer it. Join the conversation by email (abfosEd@gmail.com) or on Twitter (@AbfosEd)! Question I have been reading everything I can get my hands on that has CCSS stamped on it. I have an aggravating issue that I just can’t find guidelines for. [...]
June 20, 2012
CCSS Mathematics Classroom Shift #1: FOCUS
by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd “A mile wide and an inch deep.” Ever heard this phrase referring to your state content standards? For many states, the first big shift in classroom instruction must be FOCUS. The current state standards are too numerous, too general, and often repetitive from grade to grade. Teachers and students are [...]
May 2, 2012
CCSS Professional Development: Great ideas for exploring the Standards
by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd In the last few months I’ve come across some interesting ideas for exploring the Common Core State Standards. The most effective professional development is teacher-led and teacher-focused. Whether you are a classroom teacher doing your own research, a team leader organizing CCSS introductory activities, or an administrator trying to get [...]
April 18, 2012
Mathematics CCSS: Making it practical
by Andrew Foster Twitter @abfosEd I have been interested in the structure of the Common Core Standards since the day I heard about them. The way I heard it, the CCSS were supposed to be controversial, scary, and intimidating, and in some ways they fit those descriptions. I’ve found, however, that the simplicity and strength [...]
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