Working Together
Susanna offers consulting on mathematics teaching and learning design K-12. She welcomes inquiries from public and private school school leaders, administrators, math department chairs, and teachers as well as those pursuing policy work. While the scope of work is always tailored to meet the needs of each partner, she consistently uses a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach and follows the following process:
STEP 1: Needs Assessment
Susanna begins by listening and learning everything she can about the current math program.
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What is working well in the math program?
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What needs to be reconsidered or changed?
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What “story” can be understood by looking at standardized test scores for patterns in student achievement?
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How do students report feeling in their math classes?
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What can be learned by listening to school leaders and faculty?
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What can be observed by watching a class?
STEP 3: Implementation
Susanna will collaborate withguide leadership through the change-management process.
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How will any changes be communicated and with whom?
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What possible push-back might be encountered?
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What data will be gathered in order to determine if the changes are successful?
STEP 2: Recommendations
In this step, Susanna makes research-informed recommendations to support and enrich the math program. Possible recommendations might include:
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Curriculum mapping and alignment across grade levels
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Revisions to standardized testing procedures to reduce stereotype threat for historically underperforming groups
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Adjustments to how students are grouped/tracked during lessons and independent work
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Coaching for teachers on common misconceptions in mathematics teaching
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Shifting instruction to a mastery-based approach
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Parent sessions on helping your student manage math anxiety
STEP 4: Evaluation
In this step, Susanna uses quantitative and qualitative data to determine if the stated objectives were met and what steps need to be taken to solidify and/or expand upon those changes.