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In District Where Schools Consistently Exceed Predicted Math Scores, WestEd Identifies Three Key Structures

Math in Common^® (MiC) is a five-year initiative that supports a formal network of 10 California school districts as they implement the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics (CCSS-M) across grades K–8. To gauge how districts across the state are faring with respect to student math achievement, WestEd compared how schools in each of the 10 districts performed over two years compared to predicted scores.

Garden Grove Unified School District showed a large proportion of schools that outperformed their predicted scores for 2016. Of the district’s 52 elementary, K­­–8, and intermediate schools, 31 exceeded predicted scores and only two performed below their predicted level. This report examines the district’s implementation efforts and identifies three structures that support implementation:

• Curriculum and pacing guide. Significant teacher input, pilot-testing, and implementation guidance from an outside consultant helped Garden Grove schools effectively transition lessons and pacing guidelines to meet CCSS-M standards.
• Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs). Garden Grove’s TOSAs provide a bridge for passing instructional expertise between administrators and teachers. They are highly visible across district layers, spending dedicated time at both school sites and the central office. TOSAs are encouraged to build long-term relationships with teachers and to focus on being “customer-facing.” Due to the district’s robust leadership pipeline, TOSAs also often become principals and administrators, helping the district to spread ideas about instruction.
• Professional learning system. While “Super Week”—the district’s stipended summer professional learning program—is optional, all teachers are expected to implement learning from Super Week. Professional learning opportunities are well-attended across staff positions, are consistent and planned early, encourage continuous reflection on instructional strategies, and incorporate teacher feedback.

For a detailed look at these structures and their implementation, download “Three Structures in the Garden Grove Unified School District That Support Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics.”