Best+Practice



According to Connecticut’s State Education Research Center, “the term "Best Practice" has been used to describe "what works" in a particular situation or environment. When data support the success of a practice, it is referred to as a //research-based practice// or //scientifically based practice//. As good consumers of information, we must keep in mind that a particular practice that has worked for someone within a given set of variables may or may not yield the same results across educational environments”. Retrieved from: [] on 17 March, 2011.

I must admit I don’t feel confident about my ‘best practices’. I have looked online for examples and found mainly higher level philosophies as opposed to specific habits or practices. I will list some things I do that follow what SERC considers their “nine standards”.


 * Clear and Common Focus** – After a five-minute warm up I introduce every new topic with the learning objective. They are posted on the smart board. I ask the students to write them down as well as read them aloud. At the end of the week, we review the objectives covered and students are required to restate the objectives in their own words and give a mathematical example of the concept.
 * High Standards and Expectations** – Every objective I taught last year, matched a State Standards for Algebra. Washington has upped the ante in the last three years requiring all Washington students to take Algebra I and II as well as Geometry.
 * Parent/Community Involvement** – In addition to phone and email contact with parents, postcards are sent home to every family throughout the year to highlight student achievement.
 * Curriculum and Instruction** – New curriculum adoption including open house for parents to discuss the options and features of the book and online resources. Continual design and redesign to meet student need.
 * Professional Development** – Daily algebra team meetings and monthly district-wide math intervention meetings.