In Ascension Parish, Louisiana, schools, Bridging the Gap in Mathematics uses peer coaching to develop teachers' ability to analyze their own teaching. In addition the teachers work on improving their knowledge of mathematics content and on revising their curriculum to reflect the ideas of mathematics learning discussed in Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. Since 1996, staff from the high school and its feeder schools have spent intensive days improving their knowledge of estimation, measurement, and geometry.
Participants learn both to be coached by others and, eventually, to coach their peers.
Teachers are trained for these dual roles and in using the results of peer coaching to improve classroom work. Eventually the participating teachers spread their new skills and understanding among other teachers in the schools. All rights reserved.