The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine the impact of professional development on elementary mathematics teaching self-efficacy as well as the influence of teacher self-efficacy on student achievement. Statistical t tests were used to analyze the dispersion of the teachers’ personal mathematics teaching efficacy beliefs (PMTE) and mathematics teaching outcome expectancy efficacy beliefs (MTOE). To develop a broader perspective, a qualitative analysis of interview data was implemented. Unlike the results from the quantitative data, the qualitative data in this study revealed that meaningful participation in professional development increased teacher performance as well as enhanced their mathematical teaching efficacy. This study offers findings to administrators and district offices about the importance of developing mathematics teaching self-efficacy and mathematics professional development opportunities.

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

Procedural learning has dominated the study of K-12 mathematics in the United States. A lack of emphasis on the development of mathematical thinking among educators has undermined American students' achievement in mathematics, thereby impacting students' readiness for college and careers in the 21st century. Elementary teachers, in particular, are often under-equipped to tackle teaching practices that promote mathematical thinking and the development of conceptual mathematical knowledge, both emphasized in the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. They are frequently restricted by their own content knowledge and confidence in understanding mathematics, and are themselves products of rote learning and an overemphasis on procedures. This study was designed to support development of mathematical teaching practices among a group of upper elementary (third through fifth grade) teachers. The study utilized a qualitative action research design in order to investigate teachers' perceptions of the development of their practice over time. Ten upper elementary teachers participated in a bi-monthly mathematics study group over a period of 6 months. The study group initially focused on using warm-up tasks to promote mathematical discourse. Data was collected in the forms of transcriptions of the study group sessions, written and verbal reflections, and pre and post-questionnaires. Throughout the study, teachers regularly experimented with practices they had rarely or never tried before. Teachers reported that the warm-ups they learned in the professional development were the driving force for changes in their mathematics teaching practices. Additionally, teachers reported that there were substantial differences in the student discourse that occurred during math time between the previous school year and this year and that facilitation of student discourse during math time became a regular part of their practice.

Since the introduction of Common Core State Standards, many elementary teachers struggled with unpacking these processes and figuring out how to implement them in the classroom. Author Christine Moynihan introduces Common Core Sense: Tapping the Power of Mathematical Practices with the goal of making the eight Standards for Mathematical Practice more accessible and explicit.The Standards for Mathematical Practice provide a solid foundation for encouraging students to think, reason, and persevere like mathematicians. In her book, Moynihan demonstrates what each practice might look, sound, and feel like in the classroom by using the four-part GOLD framework:G - Go for the Goals: What are the major purposes of this practice?O - Open Your Eyes & Observe: What should you see the students doing as they utilize the practice? What should you see yourself doing as the teacher?L - Listen: What should you hear students saying as they use the practice? What should you hear yourself saying?D - Decide What to Do: What actions as a teacher must you put in to place to mine- the gold of the practice?Each chapter is dedicated to one practice and includes student work samples, classroom vignettes, and teacher thoughts. The consistent framework of the book outlines an easy way to learn and deepen the understanding of each practice. It provides teachers the planning and support they need to mine the GOLD.

This work reports the findings of the Professional Competence of Teachers, Cognitively Activating Instruction, and Development of Students ́ Mathematical Literacy project (COACTIV). COACTIV applies a broad, innovative conceptualization of teacher competence to examine how mathematics teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, motivational orientations, and self-regulation skills influence their instructional practice and teaching outcomes In this project data was collected on various aspects of teacher competence and classroom instruction from the perspective of both the teachers themselves and their students. Moreover, it gauges the effects of these teacher characteristics on student learning, as indexed by the progress students in each class. Questions addressed in the study which are reported in this volume include: What are the characteristics of successful teaching? What distinguishes teachers who succeed in their profession? How can the quality of instruction be improved?

This book introduces the many benefits of mathematics professional development for middle school teachers. It explores key features of effective professional development, research-based models, that can be used to design professional development and an analysis of professional development in the context of adult-learning theories. The importance of professional learning communities as an avenue for educators to grow in their knowledge and skills is also discussed. A qualitative research study that elucidates the many benefits of mathematics professional development on teachers’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach middle school students is explored. The results of the study and its implications to teaching practice are discussed.

The continuing gap in achievement between traditionally underserved students (students of color, English learners, and poor children) and their middle-class white peers, however, has provoked questions of the effectiveness of current mathematics teaching practices for meeting the needs of these students.