We studied how the distal policy mechanisms of curricular aims and objectives articulated in official curriculum documents influenced classroom instruction, and the factors that were associated with the enactment of those curricular aims and objectives. The study was set in the U.S. context, where there is an ambitious effort to transform…

A problem exists at the local site that classroom practices are not adequately preparing English language learners (ELLs) for academic success in the area of mathematics, and since the implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M), there has been a lack of progress in mathematics proficiency for ELLs. The purpose of…

Teachers across the United States have implemented the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in math since their release in 2010. These standards were created for all students, both in general education and special education settings; yet, the findings of this study showed one set of standards for every student does not make every student…

A major influence on mathematics teachers' instruction is their beliefs. However, teachers' instructional practices do not always neatly align with their beliefs because of factors perceived as constraints. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new approach for examining the relationship between teachers' beliefs and practices, an approach…

Teacher evaluation policies have been central to policy efforts to enhance teaching quality. At the same time, ambitious mathematics instruction has been emphasized by teacher education programs as well as by the Common Core State Standards. Drawing on observation and survey data from early-career teachers, this study examines how teachers'…

Accountability pressures and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics have created complex demands for educators, especially early-career teachers (ECTs). Analyzing longitudinal data, including the social networks of 119 ECTs, we find that ECTs increase their ambitious mathematics instruction when their network members positively interpret…

The instructional decisions made by classroom teachers impact the learning acquired by students. The Common Core Mathematics Standards and the history of mathematics education in the United States create a background for how geometry standards are taught in one Midwest middle school. A study of the pacing guides, lesson plans, and naturalistic…

The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and Next Generation Science Standards encourage substantial shifts in teaching, but how to enact change is not specified. This mixed-methods exploratory study shows how different implementation supports were related to teachers' use of standards-aligned instructional practices in the Chicago Public…

In conjunction with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and governors across the nation, the initial drafts of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were introduced in 2009 with the final draft being released in 2010. With a goal of eliminating stagnant academic progress, the Standards were written to outline precisely what…

The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics and Next Generation Science Standards encourage substantial shifts in teaching, but how to enact change is not specified. This mixed-methods exploratory study shows how different implementation supports were related to teachers' use of standards-aligned instructional practices in the Chicago Public…

Implementation of the Common Core Mathematical Standards and Practices (CCSS) has emphasized the importance of instruction that develops both procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding. Novice teachers have experienced the implementation of the CCSS during their PreK-12 experience, as well as within their teacher preparation program. It may…

Eight middle school mathematics teachers' perceptions and uses of curriculum materials and the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) were investigated. Adapting a noticing framework and models of dialogic instruction and direct instruction, teachers' noticing practices with curriculum materials and the CCSSM when planning, enacting,…

The adoption of the Common Core State Standards has necessitated a change in the instructional practices used by many mathematics teachers. The new standards encourage problem solving and the development of conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization of formulas and rules. Researchers have demonstrated that formative assessment is a…

Visual representations and manipulatives are a highly advocated mathematical tool for the teaching and learning of multiplication and division. Although there is some prior research on elementary teachers' general use of manipulatives and visual representations, there is little to no specific focus on use of such representations on a specific…

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) aim to engage students in complex mathematical practices, including modeling, reasoning, and argumentation. Currently, little is known about how teachers' daily instruction supports these practices. This study draws upon data from daily logs completed by third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade…