Math Lab

Shifting to a collaborative teaching model is a lot like going from neighbors to roommates. What you do in your own classroom—whether it’s grading, discipline, or taking attendance—will have to adjust. So at the beginning of each year, it is important for all teachers to align expectations on a variety of classroom components, from academic to operations. This allows teachers to establish logistics, assign specific roles, agree on a behavior consequence structure, and norm on grading weights. In learning models such as TTO, a student will develop relationships with each teacher, making this norm-setting process important in order to start the school year strong.

After these norms are established, teachers should commit to continuous collaboration, a process we call “Common Planning.” These recurring meetings should take place at least a few times per week to ensure teachers are able to regularly analyze data and develop appropriate interventions. Common planning involves a discussion of expectations for a given lesson, including how student work and engagement will be evaluated. This time creates a space for teachers to share best practices, suggest useful manipulatives, and flag common student misconceptions they have seen. These meetings allow teachers to feel more prepared and better equipped for their daily lessons.