This mixed-methods study sought to explore the impact the role a mathematics curriculum coach has on teacher efficacy and instructional practice. School systems across the country are being asked to do more with less money. At the same time, districts are faced with mathematics standards that require a new approach to instruction. In response to these issues, school districts are choosing to implement the role of a mathematics curriculum coach. As a result, the question is raised, “are the funds utilized for math coaches being used effectively?” This mixed-methods study compared two schools of similar makeup. School A employs a math curriculum coach, while School B employs a general curriculum coach. Through the use of a survey (MTEBI), curriculum coach journaling, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews, this study sought to answer three research questions: (a) What is the impact of the use of a math curriculum coach on teacher instructional practices in the area of math; (b) What is the impact of the use of a math curriculum coach on teacher perceptions of their instructional practice; and (c) What is the impact of the use of a math curriculum coach on teacher sense of self-efficacy? The survey was administered to all teachers at both schools with an overall response rate of 63.6%. The focus groups and interviews were a small random sample of teachers at each school who provided an in-depth view of their perceptions regarding the impact of the coaches on their instructional practice and self-efficacy as related to mathematics. The teachers had high levels of self-efficacy when teaching math and high outcome expectancy. These measures did not change over the period of the study. This study found that the math curriculum coach did have an impact on teacher instructional practices.

"This study examined the effects of change on a school during the transition from the Georgia Performance Standards to the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. The focus was on the mathematics standards and how the participants changed their math classrooms. It also looked at how teacher perceptions affected the changes in the classroom"--Leaf iii.

Most states have adopted the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSSM) in response to concerns that United States' students are not competitive in international mathematics achievement. The demands on teachers and expectations for students have increased with its implementation. The purpose of this mixed method study was to explore the effect of the implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics on elementary teachers' perceptions of mathematics self-efficacy. In addition, the study examined teachers' perceptions of principal readiness to lead the implementation and principals' perceptions of teacher readiness to implement the changes. The study also examined principals' self-perceptions of mathematics efficacy and principals' perceptions of central office support for the implementation. Quantitative data were collected from 162 teachers from three urban districts and three suburban districts using a modification of the Mathematics Teaching Efficacy Beliefs Instrument. The qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 11 building principals and focused on principals' perceptions of teacher, self, and central office readiness to implement the CCSSM. The findings of this study provided evidence that the implementation of the CCSSM has resulted in a decrease in teacher efficacy in mathematics instruction. Principals perceived that teacher readiness for the implementation of the CCSSM depended upon Common Core-aligned text books. Conclusions state the need to increase efficacy for both teachers and principals