Content-Focused Coaching: Transforming Mathematics Lessons » (1st Edition)

Lucy West has served New York City schools in a variety of roles from classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and assistant principal to teacher supervisor. Most recently, she was Director of Mathematics Instruction for Community School District #2. She participated in the creation of the Institute for Learning at the Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh. Content-Focused Coaching is one of the products of that collaboration.

Fritz C. Staub is a research scientist and lecturer in the Institute of Education at the University of Zrich. He is also associated with the University of Pittsburgh, as a research associate at the Learning Research and Development Center and as an international fellow with the Institute for Learning, where he was the original developer of Content-Focused Coaching, especially as it applies to mathematics.

What kind of supports would keep teachers well equipped to help all of their students succeed? What if these same supports kept teachers energized, passionate, and informed about their fields? Content-Focused Coaching offers just such a sustaining system. CFC is a long-range professional development practice in which coaches work individually or with groups of classroom teachers to design, implement, and reflect on rigorous, standards-based lessons that promote student learning. Authored by two educators closely involved with the design of CFC, this book is perfect for K-8 staff developers, teacher leaders, administrators, and others interested in improving mathematics education.

Lucy West and Fritz Staub explain the general tenets of CFC and the fundamental foundations upon which it rests. Then they provide a wealth of examples of coaching in action in New York City's Community School District #2, a district known nationally for its progressive, innovative, and rigorous focus on professional development. To give readers a richer picture of what CFC entails, the three accompanying CD-ROMs contain extensive video footage of coaching sessions, including the preconference, lesson, and postconference. Full transcripts of the video segments can be used with the book or as independent tools for study groups.

Improve mathematics education. Rekindle teachers' passions for their profession. Read West and Staub and implement Content-Focused Coaching in your school or district.

Working with Teachers

The Case Studies

Using the CDs

Coaching a New Teacher: The Case of Kathy Sillman

Coaching an Experienced Teacher: The Case of Dave Younkin

Coaching a Teacher Leader: The Case of Katherine Casey

The Principal

The District

From Teacher to Coach Appendix: The Institute of LearningOs Principles of Learning