PUBLICATIONS

The Better Math Teaching Network: Lessons Learned From a 5-Year Instructionally Focused NIC

BMTN Lessons Learned from a 5 year instructionally focused NME

December 2021

The Better Math Teaching Network (BMTN) is a networked improvement community (NIC) of researchers and high school teachers from New England who use improvement science principles to deepen student engagement in algebra content. The BMTN began as a pilot during the 2015–16 school year and concluded in fall 2021. Key learnings from the network include the following:

1. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach to the testing of instructional routines proved to be a durable structure for teachers to reflect upon and improve their instruction.

2. The tested routines most commonly focused on improving students’ mathematical justifications and problem-solving skills.

3. Network-developed rubrics and learning activities helped teachers improve opportunities for their students to deeply engage with math content.

4. Network learning activities enhanced teacher learning and supported the spread of promising ideas within the network.

5. Over time, teachers and researchers spread learnings to educators outside the network through multiple modes and channels of communication.

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